New Delhi: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto prolonged an official invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a state go to on Wednesday, including in a light-hearted comment that India shouldn’t be the one nation he travels to. The assembly between the 2 leaders befell in Moscow. It was their second encounter in Russia this yr, displaying a rising engagement between the 2 nations.
“Taking this chance, I wish to invite you to go to Indonesia at your comfort. Maybe, it might occur in 2026 or 2027. We might be delighted to host you in our nation. India shouldn’t be the one nation you go to,” Prabowo informed Putin through the assembly, referencing the Russian president’s latest go to to New Delhi.
The remark reportedly drew fun from the Russian president, signalling a pleasant rapport between the 2 leaders.
Prabowo’s go to to Moscow follows intently on the heels of Putin’s high-profile journey to India, the place he held in depth talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. That go to was broadly thought to be a public demonstration of the energy of India-Russia relations. It got here at a time of elevated worldwide scrutiny, significantly after the US raised strain following India’s imposition of fifty p.c tariffs on Russian oil below the Trump administration.
Throughout his go to to India, Putin acquired a grand ceremonial welcome at Palam Airport, together with a guard of honour and crimson carpet reception led by Prime Minister Modi. The discussions lined a variety of matters, together with protection cooperation, power partnerships, commerce and broader geopolitical points.
Analysts considered the talks as a sign of a long-term partnership between India and Russia throughout altering international alliances.
The timing of Prabowo’s Moscow journey is vital. It highlights Indonesia’s curiosity in strengthening ties with Russia whereas sustaining a steadiness in its overseas coverage.
The invitation additionally highlights Indonesia’s intent to increase diplomatic engagement with international powers past its rapid area.
Observers say that the pleasant change between the leaders displays not solely diplomatic courtesy but additionally strategic signalling. By emphasising that India shouldn’t be the one nation Putin ought to go to, Indonesia is asserting its place on the worldwide stage and inspiring Moscow to strengthen bilateral relations with Southeast Asia.
The assembly additionally demonstrated Russia’s continued outreach to a number of companions, reinforcing Moscow’s intent to diversify its diplomatic and financial engagements past conventional allies. Each nations agreed to discover alternatives for cooperation in commerce, expertise and protection, laying the groundwork for a future state go to that might additional solidify Indonesia-Russia relations.