"Whenever I have visited Indonesia, the excitement of the FIFA World Cup has been in the air...": PM Modi
Jakarta, July 7
Prime Minister Narender Modi on Tuesday referred to the passion for football in Indonesia and said his visits to the country have almost coincided with the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Speaking at an Indian community event, PM Modi said football fever has gripped the world and there is strong enthusiasm in Indonesia.
He also recalled the contributions of the Indian community in fostering the bonds between the two countries.
"Football fever is sweeping the world these days. Here in Indonesia, too, the passion for football is immense, and it is evident that you have all brought that same energy and enthusiasm with you here. There is also a remarkable coincidence," PM Modi said.
"Whenever I have visited Indonesia, the excitement of the FIFA World Cup has been in the air. The first event took place in Jakarta in 2018, then we met in Bali in 2022, and now, in 2026, we are interacting in Jakarta once again. On all three occasions, the buzz of football has resonated across Indonesia. The "Man of the Match" for all three of these events in Indonesia is the same: all of you living here in Indonesia. You are all the "Man of the Match...," he added.
PM Modi also recalled the popularity of Bollywood song 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' in Indonesia and said when India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just 'kuch kuch' and leads to 'bahut kuch'..."
"I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo for his words. Excellency, you are a true friend of India. Thank you for being here. I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to me by the people of Indonesia; words fall short to describe it...I saw a clear reflection of love, respect, and a deep sense of connection towards India on every face," PM Modi said.
"I noticed that the Bollywood song 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' is very popular here. Today, I told President Prabowo that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just 'kuch kuch'; it leads to 'bahut kuch'...," he added.
PM Modi is on a three-day visit to Indonesia in the first leg of his three-nation visit.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice to see India strengthening ties with Southeast Asia, but I wish the PM would also talk about actual policy outcomes instead of just Bollywood references. The Indian community deserves more than symbolic gestures, they need better consular services and easier NRI voting rights. Still, the football angle was a clever touch.
As someone who lived in Jakarta for work, I can confirm the football craze is real. Indonesians are mad for the World Cup, and seeing Modi acknowledge that will definitely win hearts there. Smart diplomacy using soft power like Bollywood and sports - India is learning from the best.
'Man of the Match' analogy was brilliant! Really makes every Indian abroad feel valued. But I hope India also learns from Indonesia's investment in football infrastructure - they host a professional league while we still struggle with basic facilities. Jai Hind nonetheless! 🇮🇳
It's refreshing to see a world leader use cultural touchpoints like Bollywood to connect with another country. The 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' reference is not just nostalgic but actually meaningful - it shows our soft power. Now if only we could export more than just movies!
While the speech was warm, I can't help but think about the 1.2 million Indian diaspora in Indonesia who still face issues with visa renewals and property rights. Diplomacy is great, but ground-level problems need attention too. Still, nice to see Modi acknowledging their role as 'Man of the Match'.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.