Gaurav Gupta
India’s diplomatic win: Indonesian President skips Pakistan visit after Republic Day, leaving Islamabad sidelined while ties with New Delhi grow stronger
In a remarkable demonstration of India’s growing diplomatic influence and strategic foresight, the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has opted to forgo his planned visit to Pakistan following his upcoming attendance at India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025. This decision underscores the strengthening bonds between India and Indonesia, while highlighting the nuanced geopolitical dynamics of the region.
India’s Republic Day: A Stage for Strategic Alliances
India has a tradition of inviting leaders from nations with whom it shares strong ties to be the chief guest at its Republic Day parade, an honor that symbolizes the country’s respect and value for these relationships. This year, President Prabowo Subianto will grace the occasion, reflecting Indonesia’s importance as a key maritime neighbor and strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.
The decision to invite President Subianto is a continuation of India’s focus on fostering robust ties with Southeast Asian nations, particularly Indonesia. In 2018, Indonesia’s former President, Joko Widodo, attended the parade alongside other ASEAN leaders. The invitation to President Subianto reaffirms India’s commitment to deepening this partnership under its Act East Policy.
India’s Diplomatic Victory: De-hyphenation in Action
Initially, President Subianto’s itinerary included a visit to Pakistan immediately after the Republic Day celebrations. However, India’s diplomatic efforts successfully discouraged this plan, underscoring its firm stance on de-hyphenating its relations with Pakistan. New Delhi has consistently sought to emphasize that its engagements with other nations should not be viewed through the lens of its strained relations with Islamabad.
By conveying its displeasure over the potential linkage of visits to India and Pakistan, India reaffirmed the importance of distinct and independent bilateral relations. President Subianto’s revised itinerary, which now includes a visit to Malaysia instead of Pakistan, is a testament to the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic outreach.
Strengthening Defense and Economic Ties
President Subianto’s visit also promises to bolster India-Indonesia defense cooperation. A significant highlight is Indonesia’s interest in acquiring BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, a joint venture between India and Russia. The potential $450 million deal reflects Indonesia’s growing military aspirations and its trust in India’s defense capabilities.
India is also actively pursuing infrastructure projects in Indonesia, including development initiatives at the strategically located Sabang Port in Aceh province. These projects underscore India’s commitment to enhancing maritime connectivity and countering regional security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Regional Dynamics and Strategic Importance
Indonesia’s growing prominence as a BRICS member adds another dimension to its ties with India. With both nations sharing a vision for a multipolar world order, their collaboration extends beyond bilateral engagements to include regional and global platforms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in September 2023 for the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit laid the groundwork for stronger ties, which were further solidified during his meeting with President Subianto at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. These interactions underscore the shared commitment to fostering a comprehensive strategic partnership that addresses mutual concerns, including maritime security, trade, and defense cooperation.
A Setback for Pakistan
President Subianto’s decision to skip Pakistan highlights the diminishing relevance of Islamabad in the regional equation. Despite Pakistan’s efforts, including forming a special committee to enhance ties with Indonesia, the diplomatic dynamics have not played in its favor. This development reflects India’s successful positioning as a preferred partner for regional powers, leaving Pakistan further isolated on the global stage.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in India-Indonesia Relations
President Prabowo Subianto’s upcoming visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations marks a milestone in India-Indonesia relations. The decision to prioritize New Delhi over Islamabad not only underscores the depth of the bilateral relationship but also signifies India’s growing influence in shaping regional geopolitics.
As India and Indonesia work towards enhancing their comprehensive strategic partnership, this episode serves as a reminder of the power of diplomacy, the significance of strategic alliances, and the importance of standing firm on national interests. It is yet another feather in the cap of India’s foreign policy under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India’s rise as a regional and global power is not just about economic growth or military might-it is about building bridges, fostering partnerships, and shaping a world order that is inclusive, equitable, and firmly grounded in mutual respect.
(The author is BJP Spokesperson J&K UT, Geopolitical Expert)
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