‘The Sea is a Bridge, Not a Boundary’: PM Modi’s Historic Address at Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta:

In a powerful display of diplomatic and cultural solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta on Tuesday, underlining the deep-rooted historical and maritime ties between the two Asian giants. Captivating the lawmakers and the citizens alike, PM Modi delivered a strong message of unity, stating that the ocean does not separate India and Indonesia, but rather acts as a bridge connecting their shared destinies.

An Unforgettable Welcome and the Highest Civilian Honor Starting his address on an emotional note, Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound gratitude for the overwhelming affection he received upon arriving in the capital city. He stated that the warmth shown by the children, youth, and women of Indonesia made the day one of the most memorable of his life. Acknowledging the prestigious conferment of Indonesia’s highest civilian honor earlier that morning, PM Modi dedicated the award to the democratic values, shared heritage, and strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations, extending his heartfelt thanks to the President and the Indonesian citizens.

A United Force for Global Development Pivoting to the geopolitical significance of the bilateral relationship, the Prime Minister emphasized that both India and Indonesia are standing at a crucial juncture in history. Looking ahead at the next 25 years, he expressed immense confidence that the combined strength of India’s 1.4 billion citizens and Indonesia’s 290 million citizens will write a new chapter in global history. Reinforcing India’s foreign policy stance, he clearly stated that India believes in the policy of inclusive development rather than expansionism, echoing the core Indian philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, Development for all).

The Indian Ocean: A Testament to Interconnectedness The highlight of PM Modi’s speech was his poetic yet strategic reference to maritime geography. While the sea might symbolize borders and vast distances for other nations, he noted that for India and Indonesia, it is the ultimate connector. He highlighted that the Indian Ocean stands as a timeless witness to their interconnectedness. For thousands of years, the vibrant ports of both nations have seamlessly connected the world, with ancient ships carrying not just trade, but rich cultural exchanges far and wide.