Touched by President Subianto's gesture of welcoming me at Jakarta airport: PM Modi
Jakarta, July 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he was touched by President Prabowo Subianto's gesture of welcoming him at the Jakarta airport and said they will hold discussions aimed at adding even more momentum to this partnership across diverse sectors.
The Prime Minister, who arrived in Indonesia on the first leg of his three-nation visit, said he and the Indonesian President Prabowo will also visit the Prambanan Temple complex at Yogyakarta.
"Landed in Jakarta. I'm touched by President Prabowo Subianto's gesture of welcoming me at the airport. In 2018 we elevated our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has benefitted our people," he said in a post on X.
"During this visit, President Prabowo Subianto and I will hold discussions aimed at adding even more momentum to this partnership across diverse sectors. President Prabowo and I will visit the Prambanan Temple complex at Yogyakarta. This will ensure closer cultural linkages between our nations. While in Indonesia, I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community," he added.
PM Modi was accorded a grand welcome on his arrival in Jakarta on Monday, with Indonesian Air Force fighter jets escorting the PM's aircraft upon entering Indonesian airspace, marking a ceremonial welcome.
Upon his arrival in Jakarta, PM Modi also witnessed a traditional dance performance.
During the three-nation visit, PM Modi will also visit Australia and New Zealand.
In his departure statement prior to the July 6-11 visit, PM Modi noted that the high-level engagement would capitalise on the robust momentum in India's relations with the three key partners, expanding cooperation across strategic, economic and people-centric sectors.
"My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific," the Prime Minister said.
The "MAHASAGAR" framework--which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions--represents India's institutional blueprint for fostering security, stability and inclusive growth across the maritime domain.
The Prime Minister is in Indonesia from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. This high-profile engagement marks the Prime Minister's fourth visit to the maritime neighbour and is the first bilateral visit since the relationship was formally elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2018.
Indonesia is India's second-largest trading partner within the ASEAN region, with bilateral trade reaching USD 24.78 billion during the 2025-26 fiscal year. Currently, more than 130 Indian enterprises maintain active investments across diverse sectors of the Indonesian economy.
Critical mineral cooperation is also set to take centre stage during the bilateral talks. Indonesia is a prominent player in the critical minerals sector, commanding roughly 21 per cent of the world's nickel reserves and ranking prominently among the top global producers of copper, bauxite and tin.
The Prime Minister's visit is slated to structurally strengthen bilateral institutional mechanisms and trade channels in this vital domain.
His three-day official visit is aimed at reviewing bilateral ties and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
Ahead of his arrival, members of the Indian diaspora expressed their expectations for PM Modi's visit, calling for deeper cooperation across mining, energy, infrastructure and emerging technologies.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see PM Modi being treated with such respect. The fighter jet escort and cultural performances show Indonesia values our relationship. But I hope the discussions go beyond just symbolism—we need concrete deals on critical minerals like nickel and stronger trade agreements. Actions speak louder than gestures.
The MAHASAGAR vision is exactly what we need—it's about time India took a lead in securing the Indian Ocean region. Indonesia is our gateway to ASEAN, and this visit to Prambanan is a beautiful reminder of our shared Hindu heritage. Proud moment for all Indians!
Visiting three countries in one trip—Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand—shows our diplomatic outreach is expanding. The 130 Indian companies already investing in Indonesia is a good start, but we need more. Let's hope the critical minerals agreement on nickel and bauxite actually benefits Indian industries. Infrastructure and energy cooperation could be game-changers!
The way our PM is being welcomed in Jakarta is heartwarming. But I want to see concrete outcomes—$24.78 billion trade is good, but we should aim higher. Also, the diaspora interaction is crucial; our people abroad are our biggest ambassadors. 🇮🇳
I'm thrilled about the Prambanan Temple visit—it's a living link between our cultures. But let's not forget the human element: How are Indian students and workers in Indonesia benefiting from this partnership? Also, climate and renewable energy cooperation should be on the table. Act East needs to be green and inclusive.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.