Narendra Modi thanked Indonesia for standing firm with India after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir today and reaffirmed the two countries' shared commitment to fighting terrorism and further strengthening strategic cooperation.
The Prime Minister told Indonesian parliament members during his three-day visit to Jakarta that India and Indonesia have always stood together on issues of global importance, especially in the fight against terrorism.
"We have always stood together on issues like terrorism. Last year, when the terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam in India, Indonesia stood firmly with India. I am grateful for that. Our two countries are working together on counter-terrorism through the Joint Working Group," PM Modi said.
The comments come as India continues to deepen security cooperation with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region as the geopolitical threats mount and the country faces a complex world with new geopolitical challenges.
'India and Indonesia Share Common Values'
And the Prime Minister said India and Indonesia are connected by centuries-old civilisational ties rooted in Ramayana, Mahabharata and ancient traditions of Nalanda.
He said both countries are young democracies with young populations and a growing global footprint.
"When India and Indonesia stand together, the world’s faith grows stronger that democracy creates opportunities. We are among the world’s most youthful societies. We are both major maritime powers and a strong voice of the Global South," he said.
PM Modi said the historic goodwill shared by both nations should now be converted into greater economic opportunities, stronger people-to-people ties and deeper strategic cooperation.
'India Doesn't Believe in Expansionism'
In one of the key messages of his address, the Prime Minister said that India’s foreign policy is based on development and shared prosperity rather than territorial expansion.
"India doesn't believe in expansionism. Our priority is development and prosperity for all," he said, while also reiterating India's support for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, a cornerstone of New Delhi’s Act East Policy.
The statement comes at a time when maritime security and regional stability are top of mind across the Indo-Pacific.
'There Can Be No Copyright on Our Friendship'
When PM Modi made a symbolic remark to lawmakers in the Indonesian Parliament which drew applause, he described the relations between the two countries.
"And there can be no copyright on our friendship," he said, underlining the long-term partnership between India and Indonesia.
The Prime Minister’s speech centered on common democratic values, cultural heritage, and mutual trust which have shaped bilateral relations over decades.
Wide-Ranging Bilateral Cooperation
Earlier in the day, PM Modi had delegation-level talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, where both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations.
The discussions covered cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security, digital technology, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges.
Among the most significant results of the visit was an agreement that will build collaboration in election management, under which India will assist Indonesia to develop customised Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) tailored to its electoral needs.
The visit will also serve to further develop defence cooperation and broader strategic ties between the two nations as they move together to develop cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia is another step in India’s push to deepen partnership in Southeast Asia as part of Act East Policy and boost cooperation in security, economic development, and regional stability.
