PM Modi Highlights Deep India-Indonesia Civilisational Bonds, Calls for Stronger Partnership During Address to Indonesian Parliament

Jakarta, July 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underscored the deep-rooted civilisational relationship between India and Indonesia, saying the friendship between the two nations stretches back centuries and is firmly anchored in their shared cultural, historical and spiritual heritage. Addressing the Indonesian Parliament, the Prime Minister said the enduring ties between the two countries are reflected in the legacy of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as in the rich traditions that continue to unite their people.

“It is an honour to address the Indonesian Parliament,” PM Modi said, noting that India and Indonesia are connected by far more than geography. “India and Indonesia do not just share the sea; we also share our history. Our relationship is rooted in the legacy of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata,” he remarked. He pointed to iconic landmarks such as the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan, Indonesia’s national emblem Garuda, and the traditional Bali Jatra festival as enduring symbols of the close cultural links between the two nations.

Adding a touch of humour to his address, the Prime Minister drew comparisons between the culinary traditions of the two countries. Referring to Indonesia’s popular snack “krupuk” and India’s “papad,” he joked that it was difficult to determine which was crunchier. “One thing is certain,” he said with a smile, “both spices and bumbu are an integral part of our lives.” The remark was warmly received by lawmakers, highlighting the cultural similarities that continue to bind the two societies.

PM Modi also reflected on the centuries-old maritime connections between India and Indonesia, recalling how traders and Sufi saints from Gujarat sailed across the seas carrying not only goods but also ideas, faith and traditions. According to the Prime Minister, these exchanges helped strengthen people-to-people ties and played a significant role in spreading the values of Islam across the Indonesian archipelago while fostering mutual respect between diverse communities.

The Prime Minister announced that he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto would jointly visit the historic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. The temple complex, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Hindu monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing conservation and restoration with support from both countries. The two leaders are scheduled to inaugurate the restoration project, reaffirming their shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Speaking about the upcoming visit, PM Modi said the conservation initiative reflects the responsibility shared by both nations to protect monuments that represent their common civilisational legacy. He also invited Indonesians to visit India, encouraging them to travel with their families and experience the country’s rich cultural diversity firsthand. “The people of India would be delighted to welcome you,” he said.

Later, PM Modi reiterated the significance of his address in a post on X, stating that India and Indonesia remain united by centuries of shared history, culture and strong people-to-people connections. He said both countries are committed to building an even stronger partnership based on friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity.

The Prime Minister’s visit comes at a time when India and Indonesia are expanding cooperation across trade, maritime security, defence, connectivity, culture and tourism. His address to the Indonesian Parliament reinforced the importance of civilisational diplomacy as a foundation for deeper strategic engagement, while highlighting the shared values and historical bonds that continue to shape relations between the two Indo-Pacific partners.