Modi Calls for UNSC Reforms, Inclusive Development in Historic Indonesia Parliament Address
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a landmark address to the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta, urged urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and called for inclusive development, accessible technology, and just global governance. He outlined a vision for stronger ties between the two nations, emphasising shared maritime prosperity and counterterrorism cooperation.
In his speech, Modi underlined the need for UNSC reforms, stating that developing countries seek equal participation and a larger role in global decision-making. “In this global space, it is clear that the UN Security Council cannot ignore reforms,” he said, stressing that India and Indonesia's strategic trust would form a strong foundation for stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Prime Minister also announced the “Ganga-Mahakam” vision for India-Indonesia relations, focusing on civilisational connect, shared development, defence and security cooperation, maritime prosperity, and priorities of the Global South. He highlighted that India follows a policy of development, not expansionism, and reiterated the principle of “together with all, development for all.”
Modi thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his country's solidarity after the Pahalgam terrorist attack and called for expanded cooperation in intelligence-sharing, cyber threats, terrorist-financing, and de-radicalisation. Indonesia backed India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, and both sides expressed support for a pending Memorandum of Understanding on counterterrorism cooperation.
However, the joint statement issued after the Modi-Prabowo meeting avoided an explicit mention of cross-border terrorism or naming Pakistan, a distinction made in India's recent joint statement with Japan. Indonesia, which maintains close ties with Pakistan, has avoided hostile rhetoric to prevent diplomatic strains, while strongly backing India's security concerns.
The joint statement also dropped a direct reference to the South China Sea issue that had featured in the January 2025 joint declaration. Despite maritime friction with China in the North Natuna Sea, Indonesia has prioritised economic cooperation with its largest trading partner, avoiding a confrontational approach.
Both sides reaffirmed commitment to a free, open, transparent, rules-based, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, underscoring respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law, including freedom of navigation and overflight.
Modi also outlined a vision for maritime prosperity: “As two great maritime nations, we will transform our shared maritime geography into shared prosperity. From Sabang to Great Nicobar, from Malacca Gateway to the Indo-Pacific, we will create new opportunities for connectivity, logistics, blue economy, maritime security and trade resilience.”
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon later said that meetings on the Sabang port development in Aceh, close to the Nicobar Islands, have taken place, with another likely soon.
