Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a packed Indian diaspora gathering in Jakarta in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, outlining India’s “Reform, Perform and Transform” vision while reaffirming the deep civilisational and strategic partnership between India and Indonesia-Photo Credit-channel24india.com
At a landmark diaspora event in Jakarta, the Prime Minister says India’s transformation is powered by 1.4 billion aspirations, while describing self-reliance as a catalyst for shared prosperity across the ASEAN region
Jakarta: Projecting India as an emerging engine of global growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the country’s remarkable transformation is being driven by a simple yet powerful governance philosophy—“Reform, Perform and Transform.”
Addressing a packed gathering of the Indian diaspora in Jakarta in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and senior members of his Cabinet, Modi presented India’s development journey as one built on continuous reforms, decisive governance and people-centric growth.
Rather than measuring India’s rise merely through economic indicators, the Prime Minister described the nation as “1.4 billion aspirations in motion,” saying its development story is increasingly shaping opportunities far beyond its borders.
“Our reforms have produced results because we have consistently delivered on performance. That is why India is witnessing transformation at an unprecedented scale,” Modi said.
India’s Growth, ASEAN’s Opportunity
Highlighting the strategic importance of India’s partnership with Southeast Asia, Modi said the country’s drive towards self-reliance should not be viewed as inward-looking but as an opportunity for the wider region.
He said India’s advances in manufacturing, connectivity, semiconductor production, maritime infrastructure and clean energy are creating new avenues for collaboration, particularly with ASEAN nations.
Calling Indonesia one of India’s closest partners in the Indo-Pacific, Modi said both countries share a common vision of development, resilience and regional stability.
“As India modernises its ports, expands shipping capabilities and explores new maritime routes, Indonesia remains one of our most valued partners in this journey,” he observed.
Civilisations Before Diplomacy
Moving beyond conventional diplomacy, Modi described India-Indonesia relations as a partnership rooted in centuries of shared civilisation rather than merely strategic interests.
He noted that while many international relationships are shaped primarily by trade or geopolitics, the connection between India and Indonesia has endured through cultural exchanges, religious traditions and historical links spanning more than a millennium.
“Our relationship was built by civilisation long before it was shaped by diplomacy,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Referring to Indonesia’s linguistic and cultural links with India, Modi highlighted the enduring influence of Sanskrit, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and Hindu-Buddhist traditions that continue to form part of Indonesian heritage.
Prabowo’s Personal Tribute to India
Adding warmth to the event, President Prabowo Subianto shared a personal anecdote that drew applause from the audience.
He recalled undergoing a DNA test before assuming office and jokingly discovering “Indian DNA” in himself.
“I am a friend of every Indian, but above all, I am an admirer of Prime Minister Modi,” Prabowo said, acknowledging that several developmental initiatives in Indonesia have drawn inspiration from India’s governance experience.
The Indonesian President also spoke of the profound cultural influence India has had on Indonesia, noting that a significant portion of the Indonesian language is derived from Sanskrit and that many Indonesian names reflect Indian civilisational roots.
Responding to the remarks, Modi said the Indonesian President’s words had touched the hearts of every Indian.
“That DNA is made of trust, shared heritage and centuries of friendship,” he said.
A Symbol Beyond an Award
The Prime Minister also referred to being conferred Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, describing the recognition as a symbol of the deep mutual respect and enduring friendship between the two democracies.
He said the honour belonged not merely to an individual but reflected the strength of the India-Indonesia partnership.
People-to-People Ties
Encouraging the Indian community to act as ambassadors of goodwill, Modi urged them to introduce their Indonesian friends to modern India and take advantage of expanding direct air connectivity between the two countries.
He also announced his visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, describing it as another reminder of the deep civilisational links connecting India and Indonesia.
Concluding his address on a lighter note, Modi referred to the popularity of Bollywood films in Indonesia and quipped that when India and Indonesia move together, “a lot happens,” drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The Prime Minister is visiting Indonesia as part of a three-nation tour that will also take him to Australia and New Zealand.
