PM Narendra Modi Addresses Indonesian Parliament, Calls for Stronger India-Indonesia Strategic Partnership

Jakarta, July 7, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Indonesia in Jakarta on Tuesday, marking a historic moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries. He became the first Prime Minister of India to deliver an address to the Indonesian Parliament. During his speech, Modi highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural and maritime connections between India and Indonesia and called for a stronger partnership based on shared democratic values, economic cooperation and regional security. The address was attended by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani, who had invited the Indian Prime Minister to speak before Indonesian lawmakers. India and Indonesia Share More Than 2,000 Years of History In his address, Modi emphasised that India and Indonesia have maintained connections for more than two millennia through trade, culture, religion and the exchange of ideas across the Indian Ocean. He referred to India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "The World Is One Family", and Indonesia's national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which translates to "Unity in Diversity". According to the Prime Minister, these shared principles provide a strong foundation for cooperation between the two nations. He described India and Indonesia as natural partners with common historical experiences, development goals and aspirations for their people. Ganga-Mahakam Vision for Future Cooperation A major highlight of the speech was the proposed Ganga-Mahakam Vision, which aims to provide a broader direction for future bilateral engagement. The vision focuses on strengthening historical and cultural connections, sharing development experiences, building strategic trust, expanding maritime cooperation and increasing the voice of developing countries in international forums. Modi also highlighted the relationship between India's development vision, Viksit Bharat 2047, and Indonesia's Golden Indonesia 2045 initiative. He called for greater cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, food security, energy security, digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies. Focus on Defence and Maritime Security The Prime Minister also emphasised the strategic importance of cooperation between India and Indonesia in the Indo-Pacific region. As two important maritime nations, both countries have a shared interest in maintaining a peaceful, secure and open maritime environment. Modi reiterated India's support for freedom of navigation and an inclusive, rules-based Indo-Pacific. He also called for stronger collaboration to address common regional challenges and promote stability through dialogue and international cooperation. India Calls for Stronger Global South Representation Another important subject in the Prime Minister's address was the need to strengthen the representation of developing countries in global decision-making institutions. Modi said India and Indonesia could work together to give a stronger voice to the Global South and promote a more inclusive international system. He also reiterated India's position that reform of the United Nations Security Council should no longer be delayed. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of making technology accessible, encouraging inclusive development and creating a fairer global governance structure. Several Agreements Announced During the State Visit Modi's visit to Indonesia from July 6 to 8, 2026, also resulted in several cooperation agreements and announcements between the two countries. The areas covered included: Defence and maritime security cooperation Space exploration and peaceful uses of space technology Agriculture and allied sectors Medical products regulation and healthcare Telecommunications and digital technology Research, innovation and scientific cooperation Disaster management Minerals and steel supply chains Cooperation between election management institutions The two countries also announced India's support for the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta. Another cultural initiative was the declaration of 2026–2027 as the Tagore-Dewantara Year of India-Indonesia Cultural and Educational Diplomacy, marking the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore's visit to Indonesia in 1927. Strengthening Relations Between Two Major Asian Democracies The parliamentary address marked an important diplomatic milestone in the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both countries have expressed their intention to increase cooperation across economic, cultural, technological, educational and security sectors. By highlighting their shared heritage and future development ambitions, Modi's visit sought to establish a stronger foundation for long-term cooperation between the two nations. The address concluded with a message of friendship and shared prosperity, reflecting India's commitment to deepening its relationship with Indonesia and strengthening cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.