Prabowo’s state visit to India has centered on strengthening the partnership between the two nations. During his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Prabowo Subianto invited Indian investors to explore opportunities in Indonesia, particularly in infrastructure projects.
“We are inviting Indian groups to take part in building Indonesia,” Prabowo said during their discussions at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Deepening Economic Partnerships
The visit underscored Indonesia’s openness to foreign investments and its commitment to improving the ease of doing business. Prabowo emphasized that his administration is cutting red tape to make Indonesia more appealing to Indian companies.
“Our talks were productive. Indian businesses can play a bigger role in our economy,” he shared, following discussions with Indian industry leaders.
Trade between the two countries has been growing steadily. In 2023, trade volume reached $27 billion, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. Both nations have now set their sights on a higher target of $50 billion for 2024.
Prabowo reiterated his commitment to speeding up decision-making processes and reducing bureaucratic delays to encourage more Indian investments. He described this approach as vital to strengthening bilateral ties and unlocking growth opportunities.
Key Areas of Collaboration
Energy, digital technology, and artificial intelligence emerged as important topics during the discussions. Both sides see these sectors as avenues for job creation and economic improvement. The two leaders also talked about education, with Prabowo encouraging Indian universities to expand their presence in Indonesia.
“We are grateful for the support of Indian institutions. Now, we invite them to establish campuses in our country,” he said.
India has long been a destination for Indonesian students pursuing higher education. Scholarships and academic programs offered by Indian institutions have benefitted many Indonesians. Prabowo’s proposal aims to make such opportunities more accessible locally, while preparing the Indonesian workforce for future challenges.
Acknowledging India’s Support in BRICS
Another highlight of the visit was Prabowo’s gratitude for India’s backing of Indonesia’s inclusion in BRICS. The economic bloc, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now counts Indonesia as a permanent member.
“We thank India for supporting our position in BRICS,” Prabowo said, emphasizing how this collaboration can promote regional stability and deepen economic ties.
Agreements Signed and the Road Ahead
The visit resulted in several agreements between the two nations. These cover areas like trade, defense, health, tourism, and technology. Prabowo expressed optimism about their potential impact on both economies.
The President’s visit reflects his administration’s intent to create long-term partnerships and promote growth. Cutting bureaucracy and encouraging collaboration remain central to these efforts.
For India and Indonesia, this meeting could mark the start of a deeper and more productive partnership. The agreements signed hold great promise for both countries.
Prabowo’s state visit concluded on January 26, but its outcomes are likely to shape Indonesia-India relations for years to come.
