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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the deep cultural and strategic ties between India and Indonesia during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta, joking that a DNA test before his 2025 visit to India revealed he had "Indian DNA". His remarks came as Prime Minister Modi was conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour and the two countries expanded cooperation across defence, trade, education and emerging technologies.
Speaking during the engagements, President Prabowo said, "Before I visited India in 2025, I tested by DNA. I found out I had Indian DNA. No, no this is true! That's why every time I hear some Indian music, I find my body moving."
Prime Minister Narendra Mod i was awarded the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, the country's highest civilian honour, by President Prabowo Subianto during a ceremonial event at Istana Merdeka, the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
The honour recognises Prime Minister Modi's contribution to strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and deepening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Earlier, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Istana Merdeka, where he and President Prabowo were greeted by children waving the national flags of India and Indonesia.
Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo held delegation-level talks covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, digital technology, health, education and cultural exchanges. The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of several agreements following the talks.
During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
They witnessed the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding covering defence, critical minerals, agriculture, steel, maritime cooperation and emerging technologies.
The two countries also agreed to establish a branch campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore in Jakarta.
In addition, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in manufacturing, food security and digital technology.
Addressing the joint press interaction, President Prabowo described India as a trusted strategic partner and welcomed the expansion of bilateral ties across key sectors.
Speaking during the engagements, President Prabowo said, "Before I visited India in 2025, I tested by DNA. I found out I had Indian DNA. No, no this is true! That's why every time I hear some Indian music, I find my body moving."
PM Modi conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour
Prime Minister Narendra Mod i was awarded the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, the country's highest civilian honour, by President Prabowo Subianto during a ceremonial event at Istana Merdeka, the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
The honour recognises Prime Minister Modi's contribution to strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and deepening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
Earlier, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Istana Merdeka, where he and President Prabowo were greeted by children waving the national flags of India and Indonesia.
Leaders review bilateral cooperation
Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo held delegation-level talks covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, digital technology, health, education and cultural exchanges. The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of several agreements following the talks.
New agreements signed across key sectors
During the visit, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
They witnessed the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding covering defence, critical minerals, agriculture, steel, maritime cooperation and emerging technologies.
The two countries also agreed to establish a branch campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore in Jakarta.
In addition, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in manufacturing, food security and digital technology.
Addressing the joint press interaction, President Prabowo described India as a trusted strategic partner and welcomed the expansion of bilateral ties across key sectors.
