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India-Indonesia: A Partnership Renewed on Republic Day 2025

As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, the occasion will not only mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s history but also provide a reflection of its remarkable journey since 1950. This year’s celebrations take on special significance as Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, graces the event as the chief guest. His presence is a reminder of the long-standing and evolving ties between India and Indonesia, two countries bound by history, shared struggles, and mutual aspirations for peace and progress.

The presence of an Indonesian leader at India’s Republic Day celebrations is poignant in more ways than one. It was President Sukarno of Indonesia who attended the very first Republic Day parade in 1950, underscoring the camaraderie between two newly independent nations that had emerged from colonial rule. At that time, India and Indonesia stood united in their struggles for independence and, in the years that followed, formed a close partnership founded on solidarity, mutual support, and a shared vision for a post-colonial world.

A key figure in fostering this bond was Biju Patnaik, an Indian freedom fighter who played a significant role in aiding Indonesia’s struggle for independence, even flying Indonesian leaders to safety during crucial moments. Such acts of friendship solidified the early years of India-Indonesia relations, setting the stage for future collaboration on global platforms, including the Bandung Conference of 1955. This historic conference, co-sponsored by both countries, laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a cornerstone of both nations’ foreign policies.

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Since then, both India and Indonesia have traveled a long and often tumultuous path, but their partnership has continued to evolve. From grappling with post-independence challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and infrastructure deficits, India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, making strides in science, technology, space exploration, and global diplomacy. Meanwhile, Indonesia, after its own struggles, has transformed into a vibrant democracy and a leading voice in Southeast Asia.

Yet, like any relationship, the India-Indonesia partnership has seen its share of ups and downs. In the 1950s, ties were warm and cooperative, but the geopolitical landscape of the 1960s, particularly concerning relations with China and the 1965 India-Pakistan war, tested this camaraderie. Indonesia’s support for Pakistan during the war, coupled with territorial claims over parts of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, led to diplomatic tensions. However, the 1970s ushered in a period of reconciliation. Maritime boundary agreements and renewed efforts toward cooperation marked a turning point, signaling the resilience of this relationship.

Today, the fruits of that reconciliation are evident. Indonesia is now one of India’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $30 billion in 2023-24. Both nations have made significant strides in strengthening their defence ties, exemplified by the Defence Cooperation Agreement signed in 2018. In a region increasingly shaped by the growing influence of China, this strategic partnership has become more important than ever.

Prabowo Subianto’s visit as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2025 underscores the growing warmth in India-Indonesia relations. The symbolism of an Indonesian leader attending this landmark occasion speaks volumes about the mutual respect and shared vision that both countries hold. It is not just a diplomatic gesture but a testament to the enduring friendship between two nations that have faced challenges, weathered storms, and ultimately found common ground in their aspirations for peace, prosperity, and global cooperation.

As India celebrates Republic Day 2025, it is a moment to reflect on the deep and enduring ties that bind India and Indonesia. These ties, founded on shared history, mutual respect, and the pursuit of a better future, continue to thrive and evolve in an ever-changing world. With Prabowo Subianto’s visit, India and Indonesia stand together, reaffirming their commitment to each other and to the broader goals of global peace and cooperation.

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