President Droupadi Murmu received Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in his honour. She expressed gratitude for his presence as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, recalling that Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, was the Chief Guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950. She noted that this reflects the deep-rooted ties and shared democratic traditions between the two nations.
During his visit, Subianto highlighted India’s profound influence on Indonesia’s language and genetic heritage. He pointed out that a significant portion of the Indonesian vocabulary originates from Sanskrit, underscoring centuries of cultural exchange. Many commonly used words in Bahasa Indonesia have direct links to Sanskrit, demonstrating the long-standing linguistic connection between the two countries.
Subianto also referenced genetic studies indicating shared ancestry between Indonesians and Indians, reinforcing historical migration and trade ties that have linked the two regions for centuries. He emphasised that these findings reflect a deep and enduring historical relationship.
The cultural connections between India and Indonesia date back to ancient times, with Hindu-Buddhist influences shaping Indonesian art, architecture, and traditions. These historical ties remain visible in temples, folklore, and traditional performances across Indonesia. Despite the later prominence of Islam, Indian cultural and linguistic elements continue to be a significant part of Indonesian society.
His remarks come as India and Indonesia strengthen diplomatic and economic ties through trade, defence cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Experts believe that such recognitions foster deeper appreciation of shared heritage and open doors for enhanced collaboration.
As both nations continue to build on their strategic partnership, their historical and cultural ties remain a vital aspect of their relationship, reflecting centuries of shared traditions and mutual influence.
