India's 76th Republic Day Strengthens Indonesia-India Bilateral Ties
JAKARTA, investortrust.id – The Indian Embassy in Jakarta hosted a celebration for India’s 76th Republic Day at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Mega Kuningan, on Friday, Jan 31, 2025. Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty emphasized that the commemoration was not only significant for India but also for strengthening diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia.
Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty highlighted the significance of India’s Republic Day 2025, noting that it marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia. He also emphasized the honor of having President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest at the celebration.
"Republic Day 2025 is a special occasion for us, as it not only comes as culmination of a year long celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, but also becaus President Prabowo Subianto is the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations," Chakravorty stated during his speech.
Historic Parallels and Military Engagement
Prabowo’s attendance as the chief guest mirrors a historic moment in 1950 when Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, was invited as the guest of honor at India's inaugural Republic Day. This year also marks a milestone in military collaboration, as 352 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel participated in India's Republic Day parade for the first time.
Chakravorty noted the historic significance of this year’s Republic Day parade, as it featured the participation of the Indonesian military for the first time. "For the first time ever, 352-member strong Indonesian military marching band contingent participated in the Republic Day parade," he said.
He also highlighted the cultural and geographical similarities between the two nations, including shared names, currency structures, and their strategic positioning along the Indian Ocean.
Shared Democratic and Economic Visions
The ambassador underscored the ideological commonalities between India and Indonesia, drawing parallels between India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and Indonesia’s national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity).
"Today, no two countries that are more similar than Indonesia and India. We have so much more in common than the first three letter of our names, or the names of the currencies thet we use. Nourished by the watter of the same indian ocean, we share common political and social ethos, of pluralism and democracy," Chakravorty said.
India and Indonesia are uniquely committed to achieving national transformation and development through democracy, striving to become prosperous while ensuring inclusivity and leaving no one behind, he added.
"India and Indonesia are also unique in term of working on a national transformation and development throuh a democratic network," Chakravorty said.
Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty (right) welcomes Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan (center) during the 76th Republic Day of India celebration hosted by the Indian Embassy in Jakarta on Friday, Jan 31, 2025.
"Most developed countries that we see today first become rich than democratic. The challenge of becoming developed through demmocratic and inclusive framework that do not leave people behind is what both countries has accepted and working on. These set us apart and provide compelling reason to work togeher," he said.
Furthermore, Chakravorty noted that Prabowo’s Asta Cita, a vision for Indonesia’s development, aligns closely with India’s national priorities. Key areas of mutual interest include food security, defense, industrialization, education, healthcare, infrastructure, capacity building, and digital transformation. He said future cooperation between India and Indonesia can help turn Asta Cita into reality.
"Working together in the coming years can lead to substantive realization of Asta Cita," he said.
Indonesia’s Role in BRICS and Defense Cooperation
Chakravorty welcomed Indonesia’s recent decision to join BRICS, the economic alliance comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He believes this move will create new platforms for Indonesia and India to collaborate on global economic and development issues.
"India and indonesia are valuable partners in ensuring that the world is multipolar and not divided into blocs," Chakravorty said.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Budi Gunawan, congratulated India on its Republic Day and commended the two nations' defense partnerships.
"Strong defense cooperation, through joint exercises like Garuda Shakti and Samudra Shakti, will enhance regional stability," he stated.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), emphasized that India’s Republic Day celebration symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations.
"It is an honor for Indonesia that President Prabowo is the chief guest. We hope that both countries will continue to grow economically and bring prosperity to their people," AHY said.
He further noted that closer bilateral ties will lead to joint solutions for global and regional challenges.
"The partnership between India and Indonesia is a strength that provides solutions to various issues. Congratulations to the people of India on their Republic Day, and may prosperity continue to flourish," he concluded.