India May to Welcome Indonesia’s President on Republic Day 2025

New Delhi is considering inviting Indonesia’s newly elected President, Prabowo Subianto, as the chief guest for its Republic Day 2025 celebrations, according to sources. This potential invitation underscores a growing partnership between India and Indonesia, with plans for high-level meetings, defense cooperation, and possibly even the participation of the Indonesian military in the Republic Day parade.

Chief Guest Consideration

• Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s President and former Defence Minister, may be invited as the chief guest.
• Preparations for this invite include discussions during the G-20 summit in Brazil, where he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to meet.

Strengthening Diplomatic Ties

• Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, attended President Subianto’s inauguration in Jakarta and extended an invitation for an “early visit.”
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono at the BRICS summit, emphasizing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Military and Defense Engagements

• An Indian Army contingent arrived in Indonesia for the Garud Shakti 2024 joint special forces exercise, focusing on counter-terrorism and Special Forces Operations.
• India has proposed that the Indonesian military participate in the Republic Day parade with a marching contingent and potentially aircraft or helicopters.

Tradition of Foreign Military Participation

• In recent years, India has invited the visiting chief guest’s country to bring a military contingent to participate in the Republic Day celebrations.
• This tradition was notably enhanced last year when France became the first foreign country to have Rafale fighter jets included in the Republic Day fly-past.
• The Ministry of Defence and the Indonesian Military have already been in touch about the possibility of a marching contingent of about 250 troops, which may be accompanied by Indonesian helicopters or aircraft at the Republic Day parade in January. 

Defense Deals in Discussion

India seeks to finalize multiple defense deals with Indonesia, including,

• Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
• Akash Surface to Air Missile Systems
• Helicopters
• BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles: Negotiations for BrahMos, an Indo-Russian development, are ongoing, with the Philippines becoming its first export customer in 2024.
• Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for Rafale fighter jets, which Indonesia has recently acquired.

Connections

• Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, was the first chief guest at India’s Republic Day in 1950.
• President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was a guest in 2011, while President Joko Widodo attended in 2018 along with ASEAN leaders.

Strategic Interests in Southeast Asia

• India’s increased focus on Southeast Asia as a region for defense exports, aiming to build partnerships with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.
• These countries are showing interest in acquiring Indian defense equipment and collaborating to strengthen their own defense industries.

Statements from President Subianto

• After his election victory in May, Prabowo Subianto expressed eagerness to work with India on defense cooperation, with both nations viewing future military collaboration as promising. 

Selection Process for the Chief Guest

• Advance Planning: The process begins about six months prior, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) playing a central role.
• Key Considerations: The decision is driven by political, commercial, military, and economic interests, aiming to strengthen ties with the invitee’s country.
• Historical Factors: The Non-Aligned Movement’s legacy has also influenced past selections, with an emphasis on mutual support and nation-building.

Procedure Post-Selection

• After MEA’s selection, approvals are sought from the Prime Minister and President, followed by discreet confirmation of the invitee’s availability.
• Post-confirmation, official communications and detailed planning for the visit and ceremonies are undertaken.