The invitation extended to Indonesian President Gen. Prabowo Subianto to be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day 2025 symbolises India’s steadfast commitment to its “Act East” policy, with a special emphasis on strengthening ties with Indonesia. This manifests the strategic importance of Indonesia as a key partner in India’s regional and global engagements.
India has intensified its interactions with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders through various summit-level meetings, demonstrating a consistent focus on deepening regional cooperation. The invitation to Gen. Prabowo, the newly elected Indonesian President, is a recognition of Indonesia’s pivotal role in ASEAN and an affirmation of India’s optimism about enhancing its relationship with Indonesia.
Indonesia holds a unique position in ASEAN as its largest member state and India’s largest trading partner. The country has had the distinction of receiving several invitations as the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, with Gen. Prabowo the fourth Indonesian President to be so honoured. The optimistic outreach to Indonesia recognises Subianto as a foreign-policy-driven president.
