Post by : Badri Ariffin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday, marking the beginning of his three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. He received a ceremonial welcome in the Indonesian capital, where Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally welcomed him at the airport in a rare diplomatic gesture.

As the Prime Minister's special aircraft entered Indonesian airspace, fighter jets from the Indonesian Air Force escorted it until landing in Jakarta. Modi was also welcomed with a traditional cultural performance upon his arrival.

Visit aims to strengthen India-Indonesia strategic partnership

Before leaving New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi said the three-country visit would help strengthen India's Act East Policy and its MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) vision. The initiative focuses on promoting regional security, sustainable development and shared prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Modi recalled that India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his 2018 visit to the Southeast Asian nation. This is his first bilateral visit to Indonesia since then. The visit also follows Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's state visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025.

India and Indonesia share strong historical and cultural ties

Prime Minister Modi said India and Indonesia enjoy deep civilisational links and strong people-to-people relations. He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen the broad partnership between the two countries.

India and Indonesia currently cooperate across several sectors, including trade, defence, maritime security, connectivity, digital technology and cultural exchanges.

Indonesian Air Force escorts PM Modi's aircraft

According to PTI, the Indonesian Air Force provided a ceremonial fighter jet escort for Prime Minister Modi's aircraft after it entered the country's airspace. The escort continued until the aircraft landed safely in Jakarta.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju later shared a video of the aerial escort on social media.

Temple visit and interaction with Indian community planned

During his stay in Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet members of the Indian diaspora. He will also accompany President Prabowo Subianto to the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta.

The Prambanan Temple is Indonesia's largest Hindu temple and one of the country's most important cultural landmarks. Located around 17 kilometres northeast of Yogyakarta city, the centuries-old temple represents the long-standing historical and cultural connections between India and Indonesia.

The visit is expected to highlight the shared civilisational heritage of both countries and reinforce cultural diplomacy as an important part of bilateral relations.

Australia and New Zealand are next on PM Modi's tour

After completing his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The discussions in Australia are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, security, critical minerals and regional stability.

The final destination of the tour will be Auckland, where Modi will visit at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. According to PTI, the visit aims to strengthen engagement with New Zealand in areas including trade, education and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

Three-nation visit focuses on Indo-Pacific cooperation

Prime Minister Modi's three-country tour reflects India's continued efforts to deepen strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. The visit also supports the country's Act East Policy through stronger diplomatic engagement, economic cooperation and cultural exchanges.

#Global News #Indonesia News #Global Updates #World News