Prabowo Welcomed by Traditional Indian Dance as He Arrives in New Delhi to Strengthen Ties
NEW DELHI, investortrust.id—Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi on Thursday, Jan 23. 2025, greeted by a vibrant traditional Indian dance performance and senior officials from both nations, marking the start of a visit aimed at deepening diplomatic and strategic ties between the two Asian powers.
The presidential aircraft touched down at approximately 10:30 p.m. local time, where Prabowo was received by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty, Indonesian Ambassador to India Ina Krisnamurthi, and Indonesian Defense Attaché Rear Admiral Ardiansyah Muqsit.
Young local artists, clad in colorful attire, performed an energetic folk dance—a gesture underscoring India’s warm welcome amid celebrations of 75 years of bilateral relations.
President Prabowo Subianto observes a traditional Indian dance upon arrival in New Delhi. Photo: Indonesian Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau/Laily Rachev
In a pre-departure statement at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta, Prabowo called his invitation as chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations a “symbol of extraordinary honor” for Indonesia.
He highlighted the participation of a 352-member Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) contingent and military academy cadets, who will lead the ceremonial parade in New Delhi. “Our troops have been granted a place of honor at the forefront of the event,” he said.
The state visit, which includes meetings with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to focus on expanding defense, economic, and cultural cooperation. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya is among the officials accompanying Prabowo.
Analysts view the trip as a strategic move to reinforce Indonesia’s role in India’s Indo-Pacific vision, particularly as both democracies navigate rising regional tensions. The cultural display at the airbase, paired with high-level dialogue, signals a mutual desire to revive historical ties rooted in ancient Sanskrit texts and shared post-colonial trajectories.