Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Indonesia share a deep civilisational bond
July 7, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian Parliament on Tuesday, describing India and Indonesia as partners connected by shared history, democratic values and cultural heritage. Thanking the people of Indonesia for their warm welcome, Modi said the friendship between the two nations could not be confined by boundaries or “copyright.” He also accepted Indonesia’s highest civilian honour on behalf of the people of India, saying it symbolised the enduring partnership and shared democratic traditions of both countries.
Highlighting the close ties between the two nations, Modi said India and Indonesia are separated by only a short maritime distance and have been linked for centuries through trade, culture and civilisation. He noted that the relationship is rooted in the legacy of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Nalanda, and Indonesia’s rich traditions of wayang, dance and music. Calling the Indian Ocean a bridge rather than a barrier, he urged both countries to elevate cooperation across multiple sectors.
The Prime Minister said India and Indonesia stand at a historic moment, with the next 25 years offering significant opportunities for shared growth. Reaffirming India’s foreign policy approach, Modi said the country believes in the path of development rather than expansionism and is committed to working with Indonesia for regional prosperity and the welfare of humanity. He stressed that stronger cooperation would benefit not only the two nations but also the wider Indo-Pacific region.