I am pleased to write on the good occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Indonesian independenceJakarta (ANTARA) - Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Pradeep Kumar Rawat extended congratulations to the Indonesian nation as it marked the 75th anniversary of independence on Monday.
"I am pleased to write on the good occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Indonesian independence. This is an opportunity for the state to commemorate the struggle of Indonesian national founders in breaking free from the shackles of colonialism to proclaim independence and lay the basis for a modern Republic of Indonesia as we witness at this moment," he noted in a written statement released on Monday.
The ambassador pointed to the common history of colonialism experienced by Indonesia and India that had led to closer ties between both nations in the past century.
"The founders of the two countries worked closely to share various ideas and strategies and were inspired by each other's struggles," he stated.
According to Rawat, India’s close ties with Indonesia were apparent from the fact that first Indonesian President Soekarno was the honorary guest at India's first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.
"The common history serves as a stage for our leadership in global affairs," he noted.
Likewise, Indonesia had hosted the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung, West Java, in 1955 that had brought together new independent states in Asia and Africa, he noted.
Diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia date back over 70 years, but seven decades of engagement had connected the people of India and Indonesia and rekindled friendship forged through equal civilization relations, common struggle against colonialism, and efforts towards progress and prosperity, he added. Related news: Indian pharmacy firms show interest in investing in Central Java
Related news: Bulog to supply 22,000 tons of sugar from India
Translator: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
