What happened?
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement on January 16, 2025, announced that “[a]t the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E Prabowo Subianto will pay a State Visit to India during 25-26 January 2025. President Prabowo will also be the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.”
Why it matters to India
A comprehensive strategic partner, Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific. Notably, Indonesia formally joined the BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation, on January 6, 2025. Indonesia has also formally expressed interest in acquiring the BrahMos missile system from India in the backdrop of China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. The $450 million deal will be discussed during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India.