In a striking display of shared heritage and forward-looking partnership, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has publicly embraced his Indian roots while his government finalised a landmark defence agreement with India for the acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The developments, unfolding during high-level engagements, underscore the deepening multifaceted relationship between the world’s largest democracy and the largest Southeast Asian nation.
Keywords: Prabowo Indian DNA, BrahMos Indonesia deal, India Indonesia defence cooperation, Modi Prabowo Jakarta visit, Indo-Pacific strategic partnership
Addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Jakarta ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, President Prabowo revealed the results of a genome sequencing test showing Indian ancestry. “I found out I had Indian DNA,” he said, adding light-heartedly that it explains why “every time I hear some Indian music, I find my body moving.” He noted that many of his ministers could also sing Indian songs proficiently, reflecting a broader cultural resonance rooted in centuries of civilisational exchange. Prabowo further highlighted how approximately 50 percent of the Indonesian language derives from Sanskrit and emphasised the profound influence of Indian civilisation on Indonesia’s own.
This personal and cultural connect gains strategic depth through concurrent defence cooperation. During Modi’s visit to Jakarta, India and Indonesia sealed agreements for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, alongside the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. The BrahMos deal, involving an Indo-Russian joint venture, represents a significant milestone in Indonesia’s military modernisation efforts and India’s growing role as a defence exporter in the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts view the timing as emblematic. While cultural affinities have long formed the bedrock of people-to-people ties, evident in shared epics like the Ramayana and historical maritime links, the BrahMos acquisition signals a maturing strategic alignment. Both nations, key players in the Indo-Pacific, are navigating a complex regional security environment. The partnership extends beyond missiles to critical minerals, agriculture, and port development at Sabang, enhancing maritime connectivity near the Strait of Malacca.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit, which included the conferment of Indonesia’s highest civilian honour on him, has elevated bilateral relations. Defence collaboration not only bolsters Indonesia’s capabilities but also advances India’s Act East Policy and vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. For New Delhi, exporting advanced systems like BrahMos validates its indigenous defence industry while fostering interoperability with a key ASEAN partner.
As President Prabowo’s remarks illustrate, the India-Indonesia bond transcends transactional diplomacy. It is enriched by DNA, both literal and historical, and reinforced by shared strategic imperatives. In an era of geopolitical flux, this synergy offers a model of cooperation grounded in trust, culture, and mutual security interests. The coming years are likely to witness further expansion in joint exercises, technology transfer, and economic integration, solidifying their role as pillars of regional stability. These visits, defence and other deals along with honest acceptance of Indian (Hindu) roots by President of Indonesia, the country having highest Muslim population in the world, are very significant in the rapidly changing Geo-politics.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
