India Celebrates 77th Republic Day in Jakarta, Affirms Strategic Partnership with Indonesia

JAKARTA — The Indian Embassy in Jakarta held a celebration of the 77th Indian Republic Day at the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta, Tuesday (27/01/2026) evening. This event is an important momentum for India to reaffirm its commitment to democratic values ​​while strengthening its strategic partnership with Indonesia as a fellow large democracy and a major power in the Global South.

The celebration was attended by high-ranking Indonesian officials, the diplomatic corps, and the Indian community in Indonesia, reflecting the close and warm bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Indian Constitution as a Foundation of Democracy and Foreign Policy

In his opening remarks, the Indian Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, emphasized that India’s Republic Day is not just a ceremonial commemoration, but rather a reflection of the basic values ​​that have shaped India’s journey as a nation.

“This commemoration invites us to remember the ratification of the Indian Constitution, while reaffirming our eternal commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law,” said Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty.

He recalled the history of closeness between India and Indonesia since the beginning of independence, including President Soekarno’s role as Guest of Honor at the celebration of India’s first Republic Day in 1950. According to him, the Indian Constitution was designed as a living document capable of uniting the nation in times of peace and trouble, as well as being the foundation for India’s foreign policy based on friendship and mutual respect.

A Pivotal Year for India–Indonesia Relations

Ambassador Sandeep highlighted that 2025 is a very historic period for India–Indonesia bilateral relations. President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to India and the first participation of the TNI contingent in the Indian Republic Day Parade are strong symbols of an increasingly close partnership.

“The participation of 352 TNI personnel, including marching troops and marching bands, in the Indian Republic Day Parade for the first time received an extraordinary response from the Indian people,” he said.

He also mentioned Indonesia’s joining the BRICS forum, which according to India adds a new dimension to relations between the two countries. India expressed readiness to welcome President Prabowo’s presence at the upcoming BRICS Summit.

Economic Cooperation, Defense and the Global South

In the economic field, India considers Indonesia to be its main strategic partner in the region. The value of bilateral trade between the two countries will almost reach 30 billion US dollars in 2025, with Indonesia becoming India’s eighth largest trading partner and India being one of Indonesia’s main export destinations.

“As the largest and third largest democracies in the world, and fellow leaders of the Global South, India and Indonesia have great potential to complement each other and strengthen each other’s growth stories,” stressed Ambassador Sandeep.

Apart from the economy, cooperation on defense, connectivity, digital technology, renewable energy and artificial intelligence also continues to strengthen. India also expressed its appreciation for Indonesia’s active role in various global forums, including AI cooperation and maritime initiatives.

AHY: India and Indonesia Choose to Walk Together

Present as the guest of honor, the Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development of the Republic of Indonesia, Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), expressed his congratulations to the government and people of India on the 77th Republic Day commemoration.

“Tonight we not only celebrate a constitution and a flag, but a living idea that a great and diverse nation can choose democracy, uphold pluralism, and move forward with confidence,” said AHY.

AHY emphasized that in the midst of a global situation full of uncertainty, Indonesia-India relations have increasingly greater strategic significance.

“In a world that feels increasingly divided, Indonesia and India choose to walk together. We share responsibility as democracies and large maritime countries to keep the region open, stable and prosperous,” he said.

He also stated Indonesia’s readiness to deepen cooperation with India, especially in the fields of infrastructure, logistics, clean energy, manufacturing and digital innovation.

Presence of Important Figures

The celebration of the 77th Indian Republic Day was also attended by a number of Indonesian national figures, including Former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla, Chairman of the DPD RI Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, Minister of National Development Planning Rachmat Pambudy, Head of BRIN Arif Satria, Chairman of Commission I of the DPR RI Utut Adianto, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Silmy Karim, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Tourism Ni Luh Enik Ermawati, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Human Rights Mugiyanto, and Deputy Minister of Communication and Technology Nezar Patria. Also present was the Indian Ambassador to ASEAN Srinivas Gotru along with members of the diplomatic corps.

Partners Forever

Closing his remarks, Ambassador Sandeep Chakraborty emphasized that India views Indonesia as a strong partner and is aligned in its vision of creating a more inclusive and just world.

“In this vision, we see Indonesia as a strong and resilient partner. India and Indonesia are partners forever,” he said.

This celebration emphasizes that the friendship between India and Indonesia is not only rooted in history and culture, but is also directed at real cooperation to face global challenges and build a shared future.

This article also appeared on VRITIMES