The Indian government has extended an invitation to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to attend the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. However, while the official announcement is imminent, sources indicate that the Indian government would prefer Subianto not to combine his India visit with a proposed trip to Pakistan. Although the Indian administration has confirmed Subianto’s role in the January 26 event, the formal declaration is still pending, a delay that is unusual given the typical months-in-advance announcements.
Reports from Pakistan have suggested that Subianto plans to visit Islamabad on January 26 for a three-day stay. India, however, has urged visiting leaders to avoid linking their trips to both countries, promoting a more independent stance with each. India has raised concerns with Indonesia about Subianto’s potential direct flight from India to Pakistan after attending the Republic Day parade. Such a move, especially after the military display, could present negative optics for India, considering the ongoing tensions with Pakistan, particularly over cross-border terrorism.
Subianto’s recent discussions with Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif in Egypt highlighted economic cooperation between the two nations, but India’s concerns remain. Indonesia and India share a strong bilateral relationship, particularly in trade and security, with Indonesia being India’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. This marks the third time an Indonesian president has been invited to India’s Republic Day, with previous visits in 1950 and 2016.
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