New Delhi: During a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto lightheartedly claimed he has “Indian DNA,” prompting laughter among dignitaries, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While sharing his connection to India, Mr. Subianto said, “A few weeks ago, I had my genetic sequencing test and DNA test, and they told me I have Indian DNA. Everyone knows that when I hear Indian music, I start dancing,” leaving the room in fits of laughter.
“India and Indonesia share a deep, ancient history,” said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting the civilizational links between the two nations. “A significant part of our language comes from Sanskrit. Many Indonesian names have Sanskrit origins, and the influence of ancient Indian civilization is very strong in our daily lives. I believe it is even part of our genetics,” he added.
Mr. Subianto also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, commending his efforts to alleviate poverty and support marginalized communities. “I am very proud to be here in India,” he said. “I am not a professional politician or a polished diplomat; I speak from the heart. In just a few days, I have learned a great deal from Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and his unwavering commitment to helping the weakest sections of society. His dedication is truly inspiring for us.”
Extending his best wishes to the people of India, Mr. Subianto expressed hope for continued friendship and collaboration between the two nations. “I wish prosperity, peace, and greatness for India. I hope Indonesia and India will remain close partners and friends,” he concluded.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations on Sunday as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising several ministers, senior officials from the Indonesian government, and a business delegation. A highlight of the event was a performance by Indonesia’s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), symbolizing discipline and military tradition.
During President Subianto’s three-day visit to India, the two nations signed and renewed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) spanning various fields, including health, traditional medicine, and maritime security, further strengthening their bilateral cooperation.
