Prime Minister Narendra Modi created a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Indonesian Parliament. During his speech, Modi emphasized the centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties between India and Indonesia, highlighting the strong friendship shared by the two nations. Addressing lawmakers, Modi said that the relationship between India and Indonesia is deeply rooted in the shared heritage of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which continue to influence the traditions, art, and culture of both countries. He remarked that if the people of India and Indonesia work together, the world will witness a new chapter in history. “We are not separated by the ocean; we are connected by a bridge of culture,” Modi said, stressing that the Indian Ocean has historically served as a pathway for trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges rather than a barrier.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as trade, investment, maritime security, digital technology, clean energy, healthcare, education, and regional stability. He noted that closer collaboration between the world’s largest democracy, India, and Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia, would contribute significantly to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific region. India and Indonesia share strategic partnerships through regional forums such as ASEAN and the G20, and both countries continue to expand cooperation in defense, connectivity, tourism, and economic development. Modi’s historic address is expected to further deepen bilateral ties and reinforce the shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. The landmark speech reflects the growing strategic importance of India-Indonesia relations and highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthening cultural bonds, economic cooperation, and regional partnership for the future.
