Guards on horseback and a warm embrace: Indonesia welcomes PM Modi with spectacular pageantry

Indonesia welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with ceremonial pageantry in Jakarta on Tuesday, marking the start of his official visit. Horse-mounted guards, a ceremonial guard of honour, traditional performances, and large crowds accompanied the arrival, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received Modi personally and the two leaders shared a hug before high-level talks later the same day. Modi landed on Monday and was escorted by Indonesian military fighter jets as his aircraft entered Indonesian airspace, followed by a formal tarmac reception and a cultural dance greeting. The July 6–8 visit, invited by Prabowo, is Modi’s fourth trip to the Southeast Asian archipelago and the first bilateral visit since India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. Discussions are expected to cover defense and maritime coordination, trade, maritime security, critical minerals, healthcare, and emerging technologies, including progress under India’s MAHASAGAR vision. Modi also plans to meet the Indian diaspora and accompany Prabowo to the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, while state-visit talks place focus on economic ties, including the size of bilateral trade within ASEAN.