New Delhi: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto highlighted the historical and cultural ties between India and Indonesia and emphasised the influence of Indian culture on Indonesian people. At a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in his honour on Saturday, Subianto shared a joke about his DNA test that revealed his Indian connection. The Indonesian President's remarks prompted laughter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The video of Subianto's remarks also surfaced online.
"A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing." Subianto said. He also lauded PM Modi's leadership and commitment towards alleviating poverty and helping the marginalised. The Indonesian President further added that he himself learnt a lot from the Indian Prime Minister. Apart from PM Modi and President Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and other dignitaries from both nations were present at banquet.
Video of the Incident:
Subianto wished "prosperity, peace, and greatness" for Indians. "I am very proud to be here (in India)...I am not a professional politician, I am not a good diplomat, I say what is in my heart. I came here for a few days but learned a lot from Prime Minister Modi's leadership and commitments...His commitment to alleviating poverty, helping the marginalised, and helping the weakest part of your society, is an inspiration for us," he stated.
"I would like to wish the people of India prosperity, peace, and greatness in the coming years. I would like to see Indonesia and India continuing to be close partners and friends," Subianto further added. Notably, at the invitation of the PM Modi, President Subianto paid a State Visit to India from January 23-26. He was the Chief Guest of th3 76th Republic Day of India.
The Indonesian President was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several Ministers as well as Senior Officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation.
The visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Delhi witnessed the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding on wide-ranging fields, including health, traditional medicine and maritime security.
(With inputs from ANI)
