PM Modi praises Nehru's Bandung message, recalls Biju Patnaik's role in Indonesia's independence

Business To Business, Jakarta, 07^th July, 2026:    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik for his historic role in rescuing Indonesian leaders during the country's struggle for independence and acknowledged former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's support for Indonesia's freedom movement.
Addressing the Indonesian Parliament, Modi highlighted the deep historical ties between India and Indonesia, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to deliver an address to the country's legislature.
Recalling the shared journey of the two nations, Modi said India had consistently stood by Indonesia during its fight against colonial rule and had emerged as a strong advocate for its independence on the global stage.
"There is so much that our ancestors experienced together. Both our nations endured long periods of foreign rule. We gained our independence at almost the same time, Indonesia in 1945 and India in 1947," Modi told the Indonesian Parliament.
The Prime Minister also remembered Biju Patnaik's courageous mission to rescue Indonesian nationalist leaders during the country's independence struggle, describing it as a lasting symbol of the friendship between the two nations.
He praised Jawaharlal Nehru's diplomatic efforts in extending India's support to Indonesia's independence movement, including New Delhi's advocacy for Jakarta at the United Nations during the formative years of the republic.
Modi said the shared history of solidarity and mutual support has laid the foundation for the strong strategic partnership that India and Indonesia enjoy today. He noted that the two countries continue to work closely across areas such as trade, maritime security, defence, connectivity and regional cooperation, building on decades of friendship and shared values.