Jakarta — Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday that India’s economy is playing a key role in driving global growth, powered by the government’s mantra of “Reform, Perform and Transform.”
Addressing the Indian community in Jakarta, Modi said the approach has helped accelerate India’s development and strengthen the country’s global standing. He also thanked the Indian diaspora in Indonesia for contributing to stronger ties between the two nations, saying overseas Indians serve as ambassadors of Indian culture, values and traditions.
Modi also recalled Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India as the chief guest for Republic Day celebrations and referred to a remark by the Indonesian leader that he said had deeply moved Indians.
“You had said that you have India’s DNA. That one statement won the hearts of millions of Indians, and even today, it received the loudest applause. I want to say that DNA is built on mutual trust and shared history,” Modi said.
The prime minister said India’s relationship with Indonesia goes beyond diplomacy and is rooted in centuries-old cultural and historical connections.
“The relations between India and Indonesia are civilisational,” Modi said, adding that the friendship between the two countries continues to grow stronger.
Modi also said Indonesia’s highest civilian honor, which was conferred on him earlier in the day, belongs to 1.4 billion Indians and members of the Indian community around the world.
“Above all, this award is another symbol of the close friendship between India and Indonesia,” he said.
The prime minister said he was deeply moved by the welcome he received in Indonesia, noting that Prabowo personally greeted him at the airport along with members of his Cabinet. Modi said the enthusiasm shown by the people, children and youth reflected strong goodwill toward India.
“From the moment my aircraft entered Indonesian airspace and I set foot here, I have been overwhelmed by the affection and warmth shown by the people of Indonesia,” Modi said. (Source: IANS)
