President Prabowo Gives Indian PM Narendra Modi the Star of the Republic of Indonesia Adipurna, Touching Nehru's Footprints

President Prabowo Subianto and PM Narendra Modi. (Photo: Cahyo - Presidential Secretariat Press Office)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto awarded the Adipurna Star of the Republic of Indonesia to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The highest award from the Republic of Indonesia was given in recognition of Modi's contribution to strengthening relations between Indonesia and India.

Prabowo conveyed this in a joint statement with Modi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 7. He called Modi's visit to Indonesia a great honor.

"Today, I as President of the Republic of Indonesia thank His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being willing to accept the highest honor award from the Republic of Indonesia, namely the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna," said Prabowo.

According to Prabowo, the award was given for Modi's leadership and contribution in strengthening Indonesia-India relations to reach the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He also said Modi continued to support various programs and projects that helped Indonesia's development.

"We are grateful that Prime Minister Modi is willing to accept this form of appreciation as recognition of his leadership and his contribution to strengthening Indonesian-Indian relations," said Prabowo.

Prabowo then associated the award with the long history of relations between the two countries. He reminded, the same honor was given to India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

Nehru, said Prabowo, had a big role in strengthening Indonesia-India relations. He is also known as one of the pioneers and initiators of the Non-Aligned Movement.

"Previously, the same honor was also awarded to the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru," said Prabowo.

Prabowo said Indonesia and India have a long cultural and historical background. Therefore, Modi's visit this time is seen as a sign of the two countries' desire to continue to maintain friendship and cooperation.

He also expressed gratitude for India's support for Indonesia's permanent membership in BRICS.

According to Prabowo, Modi's visit is an important milestone in relations between the two countries. He assessed that Indonesian and Indian cooperation must move in a more concrete and mutually beneficial form.

"This visit by the Prime Minister is a historic milestone," said Prabowo.

Prabowo said the visit reflected the commitment of both countries to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The goal is not only a warm relationship at the leader level, but also cooperation that feels beneficial to the people of both countries.