Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto today held extensive bilateral talks, both in restricted format as well as delegation-level talks, in New Delhi. Briefing media in New Delhi this evening, Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said they undertook a review of the entire gamut of bilateral relations within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The discussions covered cooperation in areas of defence and security, maritime domain, trade and investment, connectivity, digital economy, tourism, health and people-to-people ties.
Mr Mazumdar said President Subianto is particularly interested in the social security and social development programmes of India. The Indonesian President has replicated the Midday Meal Scheme in his country and believes that the Indian experience is replicable in Indonesia.
The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of five bilateral agreements, including on health cooperation, maritime safety and security, traditional medicine, digital development, and cultural exchange.
Tomorrow, the President of Indonesia will witness the Republic Day Parade as the chief guest. The first Republic Day of India was graced by the then-President of Indonesia, Sukarno.
In this year’s Republic Day parade, a marching contingent and a band from Indonesia will be at the lead of the parade. This is the first time that India is having a contingent from Indonesia marching on Republic Day. For Indonesia, it is the first time ever that a military band and a military contingent is participating in a parade abroad.
