PM Modi arrives in Jakarta, receives rare airport welcome from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday, kicking off his three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally received Modi at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, underlining the warmth of ties between the two countries.
The Indian Prime Minister was accorded ceremonial honours upon arrival, while Indonesian Air Force fighter jets escorted his aircraft as it entered the country's airspace.
The airport reception by President Prabowo is being seen as a reflection of the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Jakarta.
Sharing pictures from the welcome on social media, Modi said he looked forward to productive discussions aimed at expanding cooperation across key sectors and further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
During the visit, Modi and President Prabowo are expected to hold delegation-level and one-on-one talks covering defence cooperation, maritime security, trade, investment, digital connectivity, healthcare, clean energy and regional issues.
Both sides are also likely to explore ways to deepen collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, where India and Indonesia share common strategic interests.
Ahead of his departure from New Delhi, Modi described Indonesia as an important pillar of India's Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. He said the visit would help reinforce long-standing civilisational ties while opening new avenues for economic and strategic cooperation.
The visit also carries cultural significance. Modi is scheduled to participate in programmes highlighting the centuries-old links between India and Indonesia, home to one of the world's largest populations with deep historical connections to Indian civilisation.
Indonesia is the first stop of Modi's three-country tour. After concluding his engagements in Jakarta, the Prime Minister will travel to Australia for bilateral meetings before heading to New Zealand, where he is expected to hold talks aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, education, technology and regional security.
The three-nation visit is expected to further India's diplomatic outreach in the Indo-Pacific and reinforce partnerships with key regional allies.