On the occasion of India's 76th Republic Day celebrations, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil) and Marching Contingent, which comprised 152 personnel from all branches of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), participated in the parade at the Kartavya Path. It is the first time that India has a contingent from Indonesia marching on Republic Day. For Indonesia also, the occasion became the first of its kind as its military band and a military contingent participated in a parade abroad, anywhere. The Indonesian contingent marched on the Kartavya Path with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto gracing the event as the chief guest.
In its briefing on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to India, the MEA underscored India's importance in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, as it called the visit both "timely" and "important," with extensive discussions covering a wide range of issues.
Here's what the MEA said on Indonesian President's visit
Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar said, "Tomorrow, the President (of Indonesia) will witness the Republic Day parade as a chief guest. One remarkable feature of this Republic Day parade is that a marching contingent and a band from Indonesia will be at the lead of our parade. This is not only the first time that we are having a contingent from Indonesia marching on Republic Day, but for Indonesia, it is the first time ever that a military band and a military contingent have participated in a parade abroad, anywhere."
Indonesian President Subianto is on his first state visit to India after assuming office in October 2024. In its briefing, the MEA said that the Indonesian President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation of six cabinet ministers, senior officials, and a large business delegation.
India, Indonesia reaffirm commitment to strengthen bilateral ties
Subianto and PM Modi held bilateral discussions on Saturday as both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with a focus on sectors like defence, security, the maritime domain, economic ties, and people-to-people connections.
After wide-ranging talks between PM Modi and visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, India and Indonesia have signed five pacts providing for cooperation in areas of health, traditional medicine, maritime security, culture and digital space.
(With agency inputs)
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