'India strong advocate of a free Indo-Pacific': PM Modi's strong message to China

JAKARTA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Indonesian Parliament, describing India and Indonesia as civilisational partners bound by a shared history, culture and democratic values.

Calling for stronger bilateral cooperation, Modi said the two nations have the potential to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific and strengthen global faith in democracy."When India and Indonesia stand together, they strengthen the world's faith that democracy creates opportunities and trust," Modi said during his address.

Highlighting the historical and cultural links between the two countries, the Prime Minister said, "We share a common history.

Our relationship is rooted in the heritage of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.""Our bond goes back centuries to the knowledge of Nalanda. We are also connected through magnificent monuments such as Borobudur and Prambanan," he added.PM Modi said geography has connected, rather than divided, the two countries."Our capitals may be thousands of kilometres apart, but across the sea, we are separated by only about 150 kilometres.

For many countries, the sea has been a source of boundaries and distance. But between India and Indonesia, the sea has never symbolised separation. It has been a bridge connecting us. It is the centre of our shared future. India, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean, these names themselves bear witness to our deep historical connection.

For thousands of years, our ports connected the world. Our ships carried trade and culture across distant lands," he said.Reiterating India's foreign policy approach, PM Modi said, "India is a nation that follows the path not of expansionism, but of development. That is why in India we say, 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', 'Together with all, Development for all.' It is with this very mantra and this spirit that I have come before all of you, the esteemed Members of the Indonesian Parliament."He also said, "World will witness history in making when 140 crore people of India and Indonesia's 29 crore people march together."Speaking about the reception he received during his visit, PM Modi said, "I am truly delighted to be here among you. It is a great privilege for me to be with you. As the representative of 140 crore Indians, and as a fortunate citizen of the Mother of Democracy, I extend my best wishes to you on behalf of all the people of India. The people of Indonesia, the wonderful children, the youth, and the women here, have made today one of the most memorable days of my life.

The way the people of Indonesia showed me their affection this morning, and the warm welcome they gave me, is something I will never forget. This morning, President Prabowo spoke about copyright. I would like to tell him that no one holds the copyright to this love, this affection, this friendship, and this spirit of respect."Earlier in the day, PM Modi received Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna.

Thanking the Indonesian leadership and people, he said, "This morning, I also had the privilege of receiving Indonesia's highest honour. I accept with all humility, from the core of my heart, the affection of the people of Indonesia towards the crores of Indians. This honour belongs to the democratic values of both our countries, to our shared heritage, and to the strengthening relations between the two nations.

I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you colleagues, to the government of Indonesia, and to the people here."In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "I accept the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia with great humility. This honour belongs to the people of India. It reflects the warmth and affection of the people of Indonesia. It is also a tribute to the historic and deeply-rooted ties between India and Indonesia. I sincerely thank President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia and the people of Indonesia for this special honour.

"Following delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the two countries signed 20 agreements covering defence, maritime security, critical minerals, agriculture, telecommunications, healthcare, space cooperation, disaster management, education and digital public infrastructure. The agreements include cooperation on the BrahMos missile system, air-to-air missile collaboration and the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management Bangalore branch campus at Singhasari SEZ.Describing the visit as a milestone in bilateral ties, PM Modi wrote on X, "The outcomes from this visit are comprehensive, substantive and futuristic. The India-Indonesia friendship will keep scaling new heights in the years to come."