Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is visiting India as the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations, will meet PM Narendra Modi Saturday as the two sides look to strengthen their political, defence and security cooperation. According to sources, President Subianto, who arrived Thursday on his first state visit to India after assuming office in October 2024, will review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation — from political, defence and trade to healthcare, digital technologies, energy and tourism. There could also be an announcement on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, which Indonesia is keen to procure from India. Indonesia has been in talks with BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, to procure a shore-based version of the mid-range missiles and a version that can be mounted on warships. Last December, Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had said that “collaboration on advanced technology, such as BrahMos,” was one of the highlights of discussions with the visiting Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Several MoUs and announcements are likely to be concluded during Subianto’s visit, sources said. The 3rd CEOs Forum will also be held on the sidelines of the visit. On Friday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X: “Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India. Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties. President @prabowo’s participation as Chief Guest in India’s 76th Republic Day will be a fitting celebration of our cherished friendship.” The Indonesian President is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Singh Dhankhar. Subianto is the fourth Indonesian leader invited by India to attend its Republic Day celebrations as chief guest: In 1950, when India celebrated its first Republic Day, it was President Sukarno. This year, a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will be participating in Republic Day parade. It’s the first time an Indonesian marching and band contingent is taking part in a national day parade abroad. Describing the India-Indonesia ties as “warm and friendly. spanning over millennia”, the MEA said, “As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.” Modi had met President Subianto on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2024. This was the first meeting between them.
