Megawati and Indian Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Ties Since Soekarno Era

Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty met in Jakarta to discuss the enduring ties between their nations, a relationship forged during the leadership of Indonesia's first president, Soekarno, and India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

The meeting, held at Megawati's residence, was described as warm and nostalgic. Both leaders delved into the historical connection between Soekarno and Nehru, key figures in the Non-Aligned Movement. Megawati also shared her personal connection with Biju Patnaik, an Indian independence figure and legendary pilot.

Megawati recounted her experience attending the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Belgrade in 1961 as a 14-year-old delegate. She shared photographs of herself with PM Nehru and of Nehru interacting with President Soekarno at the Merdeka Palace in 1950. She recalled wearing a kebaya in one of the photos from Belgrade.

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I was wearing a kebaya at the time.

Ambassador Chakravorty noted that he had met Megawati previously in North Korea in 2011 and at a G20 Gala Dinner in Bali in 2022. He also mentioned seeing photos of Megawati and Soekarno displayed at the Nehru Museum in New Delhi.

Discussions also touched upon the strategic location of the Indian Ambassador's residence, chosen by President Soekarno, and India's early recognition of Indonesia. The Ambassador affirmed that the strong relationship between the two countries today is built upon the foundation laid by Soekarno and Nehru. He extended an invitation for Megawati to visit India.

Megawati was accompanied by PDI-P Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto and other party officials during the meeting.

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The good relations between the two countries continue to be maintained and were built by these two founding fathers, President Soekarno and PM Nehru.