KKN Gurugram Desk | Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto graced India‘s Republic Day parade as the chief guest, bringing a significant focus on the long-standing cultural and historical ties between the two nations. His visit to India, marked by warmth and humor, became the talk of the town, especially after his light-hearted yet meaningful remark about having “Indian DNA.”

At a banquet hosted by India’s President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday evening, President Subianto’s speech left Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other dignitaries laughing and reflecting on the deep-rooted connection between India and Indonesia.

The Remark That Stole the Show: “I Have Indian DNA”

During the banquet, President Subianto shared a personal anecdote, saying, “A few weeks ago, I had my genetic sequencing test, and they told me I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing.”

The lighthearted comment brought smiles and laughter to everyone present, including PM Modi and Vice President Dhankhar, who were seated on either side of the Indonesian leader. Subianto’s humorous yet heartfelt remark highlighted the cultural resonance between the two nations, further solidified by shared historical and civilizational ties.

A Celebration of Shared Heritage

President Subianto emphasized the civilizational links between India and Indonesia, stating, “We have civilizational links. Even now, a very important part of our language comes from Sanskrit. Many names in Indonesia are actually Sanskrit names, and in our daily life, the influence of ancient Indian civilization is very strong. I think it’s part of our genetics.”

This acknowledgment underscores the deep-rooted cultural and linguistic ties that date back centuries, reflecting India’s influence on Indonesia through trade, religion, and shared traditions. From the Sanskrit roots of the Indonesian language to the adoption of Indian music, dance, and art forms, Subianto’s words served as a reminder of the shared legacy that continues to thrive.

Praising India’s Leadership

President Subianto also took the opportunity to praise Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and commitment to poverty reduction. He remarked, “I came here for a few days but learned a lot from Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and commitments. His efforts to reduce poverty and uplift marginalized communities are truly commendable.”

These words of appreciation from the Indonesian President reflect the growing admiration for India’s socio-economic progress under PM Modi’s leadership on the global stage.

A Historic Republic Day Tradition

Prabowo Subianto is the fourth Indonesian President to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. This tradition began in 1950, with Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, gracing the inaugural Republic Day parade.

Subsequent Indonesian leaders have continued this legacy:

• Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2011
• Joko Widodo in 2018
• And now, Prabowo Subianto in 2025

This recurring honor underscores the strong diplomatic and historical bonds shared by the two nations.

India and Indonesia: A Partnership Strengthened by History

India and Indonesia share a relationship rooted in centuries-old trade and cultural exchanges, including the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism from India to the Indonesian archipelago. Even today, these ties remain visible in Indonesia’s culture, language, and traditions.

Subianto’s visit reinforces this enduring bond, with both countries working toward strengthening cooperation in areas like:

1. Trade and Commerce: Indonesia remains a key trading partner for India in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade exceeding $20 billion annually.
2. Defense and Security: Both nations are committed to maritime security and counterterrorism efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Cultural Exchange: India and Indonesia actively promote people-to-people connections through tourism, education, and cultural events.

The Banquet: A Celebration of Friendship

The banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, hosted in honor of President Subianto, was a reflection of India’s warm hospitality. As the chief guest, Subianto not only participated in the Republic Day parade but also engaged in meaningful discussions with Indian leaders, further strengthening bilateral relations.

In his remarks, Subianto expressed pride and gratitude for being in India. “I am not a professional politician, nor am I a seasoned diplomat, but I speak from the heart. It is a privilege to be here, and I wish for peace, prosperity, and greatness for the people of India,” he said, concluding his speech with optimism and goodwill.

A Gesture of Trust and Partnership

President Subianto’s visit symbolizes a shared vision for regional stability and mutual growth. Both countries have demonstrated their commitment to fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties, particularly in the context of an increasingly interconnected and dynamic Indo-Pacific region.

As Subianto hailed the contributions of ancient Indian civilization and praised India’s modern achievements, his words resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the occasion.

The visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade in 2025 is a testament to the enduring partnership between the two nations. His lighthearted yet meaningful remarks about “Indian DNA,” coupled with his recognition of India’s rich cultural legacy and modern leadership, reflect the warmth and respect shared between the two countries.

As India and Indonesia continue to deepen their collaboration in areas like trade, defense, and cultural exchange, this visit marks another chapter in their long-standing friendship. With a shared history and a common vision for the future, the bond between India and Indonesia is set to grow even stronger.

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