India uneasy over Indonesian president’s proposed Pakistan visit after Delhi tour

The Indian government has invited Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, with an official announcement expected soon. However, India is reportedly uneasy over Subianto’s potential plans to combine his visit with a trip to Pakistan.

While Indonesia has yet to officially announce the president’s travel itinerary, reports in Pakistani media suggest Subianto may arrive in Islamabad on the same day for a three-day visit. This prospect has kept Indian officials on edge as they aim to avoid diplomatic optics that could tie the two visits together.

In recent years, India has diplomatically urged visiting foreign leaders to “dehyphenate” their ties with India and Pakistan, discouraging them from including both countries in the same itinerary.

Sources indicate that Indian officials have already communicated their concerns to their Indonesian counterparts, hoping to dissuade Subianto from travelling to Islamabad immediately after attending the Republic Day parade.

India is also reportedly prepared with contingency measures in case Subianto’s travel plans change.

One such measure involves offering Indonesia the BrahMos missile system to strengthen its defence capabilities, signalling India’s intent to deepen bilateral ties.

The timing of Subianto’s potential visit to Pakistan is especially sensitive for India, given its strained relations with its neighbour over issues like cross-border terrorism.

Subianto’s meeting with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in December during a multilateral event in Egypt further heightened concerns, as the two leaders pledged to enhance economic cooperation.

Indian officials are keen to avoid a scenario where Subianto’s direct flight to Islamabad immediately after the Republic Day celebrations overshadows the significance of his visit to New Delhi.