Jakarta/Yogyakarta: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the iconic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, marking a symbolic highlight of his three-nation tour that seeks to deepen India’s strategic, economic and cultural engagement with the Indo-Pacific.
During the visit, Modi offered prayers at the nearly 1,000-year-old Hindu temple complex dedicated to the Trimurti—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. The visit was seen as a celebration of the centuries-old civilisational links between India and Indonesia and came alongside discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence, trade, maritime security, technology, healthcare and education.
The Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex. Built in the 9th century, the complex originally comprised around 240 temples and is renowned for its towering Shiva temple, intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana, and the famed Ramayana Ballet performed at the site. The monument stands as a lasting symbol of the deep cultural and religious connections between India and Southeast Asia.
India is also expected to support restoration and conservation work at the temple complex through the Archaeological Survey of India in collaboration with Indonesian authorities, reflecting the two countries’ shared commitment to preserving their common heritage.
Earlier in Jakarta, Modi held wide-ranging talks with President Prabowo, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Agreements spanning defence, maritime cooperation, trade, agriculture, healthcare and education were signed, including a landmark defence pact involving the BrahMos missile system.
Indonesia is the first stop of Modi’s three-nation tour, which will also take him to Australia and New Zealand.
