Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto made a striking statement during his visit to India, revealing that recent genetic testing had shown he possesses “Indian DNA.” He shared this personal discovery at an ‘at home’ reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day. The event saw several prominent dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other key figures, gather to celebrate the occasion.
In his speech, Subianto emphasized the deep-rooted cultural, linguistic, and genetic ties between India and Indonesia. He recalled how, during his genetic sequencing test, experts confirmed the presence of Indian DNA, a discovery that personally resonated with him. “When I hear Indian music, I start dancing,” he remarked, evoking smiles from those in attendance.
Subianto highlighted the profound influence ancient Indian civilization continues to have on Indonesian culture, pointing out the shared history and heritage between the two nations. “We have civilizational links, even now, a very important part of our language comes from Sanskrit. Many names of Indonesia are actually Sanskrit names, and in our daily life, the influence of ancient Indian civilization is very strong,” he said. He further added, “I think it’s part of our genetics.”
President Subianto also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and dedication to reducing poverty and supporting marginalized communities. Reflecting on his time in India, he expressed his admiration for Modi’s vision and policies. “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 Narendra Modi’s leadership and commitments,” Subianto shared.
During his visit, Subianto was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including several ministers, senior officials, and a business delegation. His presence underscored the growing ties between India and Indonesia, especially in areas of health, traditional medicine, and maritime security. During the visit, both nations signed and renewed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors.
The reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan not only celebrated the bilateral relationship but also showcased India’s rich cultural heritage. Guests had the opportunity to witness performances that reflected India’s artistic traditions, highlighting the nation’s development and cultural diversity.
As Subianto wrapped up his visit, he conveyed his pride in being in India and wished prosperity, peace, and greatness for the people of India in the years ahead. His visit marked a significant milestone in the ongoing strengthening of India-Indonesia relations, built on a shared history and a promising future of cooperation.
