Jakarta Event Highlights India‑Indonesia Ties as Modi Receives Top Honor

During a state banquet held in Jakarta on July 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was lauded by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for the transformative policies pursued by his government. Prabowo told the audience that he has been following Modi’s political journey and has even imitated many of India’s schemes, noting that their success for millions of Indians makes them attractive models for Indonesia as well.

“Since there is no copyright on these plans, we feel free to adopt what works,” Prabowo said with a smile, prompting laughter from Modi and a chorus of applause throughout the hall.

The president emphasized the parallel challenges faced by both nations—large demographic pressures, agriculture‑driven economies and exposure to natural disasters—while praising India’s progress in addressing them. He also referenced a recent Indonesian delegation that spent two to three weeks in India examining dry‑land restoration techniques, especially the permaculture system, and affirmed Indonesia’s intent to study those practices thoroughly.

The banquet formed part of Modi’s three‑day Indo‑Pacific mission, which began with a warm reception at Jakarta’s airport. On the second day, both leaders signed a series of bilateral agreements, and Modi was awarded Indonesia’s highest civilian distinction, the Bintang Adipurna, underscoring the growing partnership between the two countries.