Your Excellency, President Prabowo, Distinguished delegates from both our countries, Friends from the media, Namaskar! Selamat Siang! First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my friend, President Prabowo, for the warm and gracious welcome. Last year, we had the honour of welcoming President Prabowo as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations. Today, it is a great pleasure for me to visit Indonesia on his warm and gracious invitation.

This morning, I was deeply honoured to receive Indonesia’s highest award with great warmth and respect. This honour belongs to the crores of Indians. It reflects the goodwill of the people of Indonesia and stands as a tribute to the historic and enduring bonds of friendship between India and Indonesia.

In recent years, the relationship between India and Indonesia has acquired renewed energy, greater confidence, and deeper strategic depth. Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, is reaching new heights today. We are making significant strides across every domain of cooperation, including development, security, technology, culture, and education.

Today, we agreed to further enhance collaboration in defence exchanges, disaster management, and industrial cooperation. Our two Coast Guards will now work together to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.

Eradicating poverty and ensuring welfare remains a highest priority. We have shared with Indonesia our experience relating to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Public Distribution System.

Related current affairs