President of Indonesia will be the chief guest on Republic Day, understand the special connection with BrahMos

New Delhi: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto may be the chief guest of the Republic Day 2025 celebrations this time. his/her visit could give a boost to bilateral defense partnership, including the proposed export of BrahMos missiles. Prabowo, a former defense minister and son-in-law of former Indonesian president and strongman Suharto, is keen to pursue a strategic partnership with India. This also includes the desire to buy BrahMos missile.

Second country to buy BrahMos missile

After Prabowo becomes President, Indonesia may become the second country after the Philippines to purchase BrahMos missile. India and Indonesia have already held preliminary discussions on Jakarta’s desire to purchase BrahMos missiles to protect its vast coastline. Previously, Jakarta faced budget constraints to purchase the BrahMos, but experts on Indonesian affairs indicated that Prabowo may press for a higher defense budget.

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Indonesian military contingent will also be involved

According to the news of our associate newspaper Economic Times, the Indonesian military contingent participating in the Republic Day Parade has held preliminary talks with its Indian counterpart on the exercise. This will be the fourth time that an Indonesian President will be the chief guest on Republic Day. At the first Republic Day in 1950, the then Indonesian President Sukarno was the chief guest. In 2011, then Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was the chief guest.

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Special relationship with Indonesia

Later in 2018, Indonesian President Joko Widodo was the chief guest along with other ASEAN leaders. This development has come at a time when India is completing a decade of the Act East Policy. This year also marks important anniversaries of the establishment of India’s diplomatic relations with many countries in the region. India has strong economic, defense and cultural ties with Indonesia. In fact, Indonesia and India are maritime neighbors and discussions are underway between the two countries to increase connectivity between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Aceh, especially with a focus on sea routes.

Focus on eastern countries

India will celebrate 75th anniversary with Indonesia, 75th with Philippines, 60th with Singapore and 40th with Brunei. In the first 100 days of his/her third term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received the prime ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia. Prime Minister Modi also visited Laos, Brunei and Singapore earlier this year. Indian President Draupadi Murmu also went to Timor-Leste on the first visit of a head of state from India.