Prabowo Subianto on India

Prabowo Subianto has articulated a vision for strengthening strategic ties with India, emphasizing the profound historical and cultural connections between the two nations. During his visit to India in January 2025, he engaged in high-level talks with the Indian President and Prime Minister, where a joint statement underscored a commitment to advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership across various sectors. A key aspect of his engagement involved acknowledging the historical influence of India on Indonesian culture, including observations about linguistic and genetic links between the two populations. He has consistently advocated for greater cooperation, particularly in defense and trade, positioning India as a key pillar of Indonesia's foreign policy.

This emphasis on India aligns with a broader Indonesian foreign policy doctrine prioritizing strong relationships with major Asian powers. Following his meetings, he underscored the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relationships across the globe, even as he extended invitations to other major world leaders, suggesting a balanced, multi-alignment approach to international engagement. The stated goals of his administration include deepening defense industry collaboration and boosting trade volumes, framing the relationship as mutually beneficial for regional stability and economic growth. His approach appears to favor maintaining warm, pragmatic ties with both India and other global players.