New Delhi:

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, during a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, quipped that he has “Indian DNA”, sparking a burst of laughter among the dignitaries including the President, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Subianto made the remark while talking about his connection with India.

“A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing,” he said, leaving the room in splits.

#WATCH | Delhi | “…A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing…”, says Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi… pic.twitter.com/N7f0EpLamZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

“India and Indonesia have a long, ancient history together. 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. I think it’s also part of our genetics,” the Indonesian President added.

Mr Subianto also lauded PM Modi’s leadership and commitment towards alleviating poverty and helping the marginalised while affirming that he learned a lot from him in the few days.

“I am very proud to be here (in India)…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 Modi’s leadership and commitments…His commitment to alleviating poverty, helping the marginalized, and helping the weakest part of your society, is an inspiration for us,” he said.

Wishing the people of India “prosperity, peace, and greatness”, Mr Subianto said he would like to see Indonesia and India continue to be close partners and friends.

Mr Subianto attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest on Sunday. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several ministers and senior officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation. The event witnessed Indonesia’s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), that embodies discipline and military tradition.

During the Indonesian President’s three-day visit to India, the two countries signed and renewed five Memorandums of Understanding on wide-ranging fields, including health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.

New Delhi:

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, during a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, quipped that he has “Indian DNA”, sparking a burst of laughter among the dignitaries including the President, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Subianto made the remark while talking about his connection with India.

“A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing,” he said, leaving the room in splits.

#WATCH | Delhi | “…A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing…”, says Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi… pic.twitter.com/N7f0EpLamZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

“India and Indonesia have a long, ancient history together. 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. I think it’s also part of our genetics,” the Indonesian President added.

Mr Subianto also lauded PM Modi’s leadership and commitment towards alleviating poverty and helping the marginalised while affirming that he learned a lot from him in the few days.

“I am very proud to be here (in India)…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 Modi’s leadership and commitments…His commitment to alleviating poverty, helping the marginalized, and helping the weakest part of your society, is an inspiration for us,” he said.

Wishing the people of India “prosperity, peace, and greatness”, Mr Subianto said he would like to see Indonesia and India continue to be close partners and friends.

Mr Subianto attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest on Sunday. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several ministers and senior officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation. The event witnessed Indonesia’s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), that embodies discipline and military tradition.

During the Indonesian President’s three-day visit to India, the two countries signed and renewed five Memorandums of Understanding on wide-ranging fields, including health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto wintesses the 76th Republic Day Parade, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Sunday, January 26, 2025
| Photo Credit: ANI

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday (January 25, 2025), at a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in his honour, spoke about the historical and cultural ties between India and Indonesia, and emphasised the influence of ancient Indian civilization on Indonesian culture, language, and genetics.

President Subianto highlights Indian influence on Indonesian language and genetics sequencing test.

He added, “A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing.”

President Subianto also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and commitment towards alleviating poverty and helping the marginalised while affirming that he himself learnt a lot from him in the few days.

The Indonesian President said he is proud to be in India and further wished “prosperity, peace, and greatness” for the people of India in the coming years.

Mr. Subianto said, “I am very proud to be here (in India)…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 Modi’s leadership and commitments… His commitment to alleviating poverty, helping the marginalized, and helping the weakest part of your society, is an inspiration for us.”

“I would like to wish the people of India prosperity, peace, and greatness in the coming years. I would like to see Indonesia and India continuing to be close partners and friends,” he added.

Notably, at the invitation of PM Modi, President Subianto paid a State Visit to India from January 23-26. He also attended the celebrations of the 76th Republic Day of India as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several Ministers as well as Senior Officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation.

The visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Delhi witnessed the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding on wide-ranging fields, including health, traditional medicine and maritime security.

MoU on Health Cooperation was signed between the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Health, Indonesia.

The MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and BAKAMLA, Indonesia was renewed.

Another MoU was signed in the field of Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, which comes under the Ministry of AYUSH and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority.

People attend the national flag unfurling ceremony at Tral Chowk on the 76th Republic Day, in Pulwama district, Jammu & Kashmir, on January 26, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

For the first time in 35 years, the national tricolour was unfurled at Tral in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday (January 26, 2025) as patriotic songs marked the celebration of 76th Republic Day.

Once a bastion of terrorists and separatists, Tral town reverberated with patriotic songs and chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ as PDP MLA Rafiq Naik joined nearly 1,000 participants in the Republic Day function.

Republic Day 2025 updates: January 26

The residents of the south Kashmir town said it was perhaps for the first time that the national flag was hoisted on Republic Day at the Tral Chowk.

The flag was jointly unfurled by an elderly, a youth and a child, symbolising the unity of generations and their shared commitment to the nation.

“This occasion marks a significant transformation for Tral, a place known for unrest, as it embraces peace, progress and national integration,” a senior security force officer, who was present at the event, said.

The ceremony, held amid heightened security by the Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF, proceeded peacefully, reflecting the collaboration between local communities and the security forces.

“The sight of people from all walks of life waving the tricolour was a testament to Tral’s transformation and its aspirations for harmony and development,” the officer said.

He said the participation of the youth underscored their desire for a brighter and unified future rooted in the ideals of democracy.

As the tricolour fluttered proudly against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it became a symbol of Tral’s journey towards peace, progress and its renewed dedication to the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, he said.

New Delhi:

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day focusing on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari (public movement). The celebrations witnessed a blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. Apart from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is the chief guest, 10,000 special guests were in attendance. These guests are called the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’ (golden India). They include the best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes of the Government.

31 tableaux from 16 state governments and union territories, central ministries, tri-services and veterans participated in the celebrations. They highlighted this year’s theme of ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.’

The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial and laying a wreath in respect to the nation’s heroes.

President Droupadi Murmu along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived at the Kartavya Path in the ‘traditional buggy’. She then unfurled the national flag.

Here are some notable tableaux showcasing ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’

Madhya Pradesh’s tableau highlighted the return of cheetahs.

Late industrialist Ratan Tata was at the centre of the tableau of Jharkhand state.

With depictions of ‘Samudra Manthan’, ‘Amrit Kalash’ and holy men bathing on the banks of Sangam, the Republic Day tableau of Uttar Pradesh celebrated the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

Andhra Pradesh’s tableau focused on “Etikoppaka wooden toys”, a 400-year-old craft tradition celebrated for its eco-friendly, seamless, vibrant and toxin-free nature.

Veterans’ Tableau carried a theme of ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’, paying tribute to the unwavering spirit of veterans, a symbol of discipline, resilience, and unyielding dedication. Veteran women officers from all three services – Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha, representing Nari Shakti and the role of women in shaping the armed forces.

The Department of Financial Services tableau showcased India’s remarkable journey in financial evolution from money lenders to UPI.

The national capital Delhi’s tableau focused on quality education for youth.

Karnataka’s tableau carried a theme of ‘Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft’.

Naval Tableau depicted a strong ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Navy capable of protecting India’s maritime interests.

Central Public Works Department’s flower tableau showcasing 75 Years of the Constitution of India.

Kolkata:

Indian Army’s robotic dogs ‘MULE’ (Multi Utility Legged Equipment) stole the show at the Republic Day parade in Kolkata on Sunday. Named ‘Sanjay’, the ‘MULE’ is an all-weather ground robot dog that can climb stairs, steep hills, and cross hurdles.

According to the Indian Army, it is designed for several operations, including perimeter security, asset protection, and chemical-biological-nuclear warfare scenarios. They can also be used for explosives detection and disposal, intelligence, and surveillance.

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee takes part in #RepublicDay2025 celebrations at Kolkata.

(Source: Mamata Banerjee Social Media) pic.twitter.com/1KUWOvFFvL

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

The robotic dogs can carry a payload of 15 kgs and can be operated in extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius.

The Indian Army has so far inducted 100 robotic dogs in various units, officials said.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose unfurled the national flag at Red Road in Kolkata today morning. This was followed by a parade – led by Naib Subedar Rajneesh.

Contingents of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, Rapid Action Force, and Disaster Management Group took part in the parade. Apart from these, students from various schools also participated in the ceremony and performed cultural dances.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the event.

West Bengal tableau at Republic Day parade

West Bengal’s Republic Day tableau at the Kartavya Path in Delhi highlighted the state’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme which provides a guaranteed monthly income to women. It also featured the state’s ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ initiative showcasing its rich cultural heritage, architectural excellence, and artistic traditions.

The tableau’s front featured a ‘Durga’ idol, with Chhau performers accompanying the tableau.

The mega Republic Day parade in the national capital was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other high-level dignitaries. Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as a chief guest.

New Delhi:

With depictions of ‘Samudra Manthan’, ‘Amrit Kalash’ and holy men bathing on the banks of Sangam, the Republic Day tableau of Uttar Pradesh celebrated the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and showcased a metaphorical confluence of ‘virasat’ and ‘vikas’.

The tableau drew cheers from the crowd as it rolled down the Kartavya Path here during the ceremonial parade on Sunday.

Billed as one of the biggest gatherings of humanity on earth, Maha Kumbh 2025 began on January 13 and will culminate on February 26.

While 75 years of enactment of the Constitution is the focus of 76th Republic Day celebrations, the theme for the tableaux is ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’.

The tableau of Uttar Pradesh showcases the grandeur of Maha Kumbh 2025, portraying a metaphorical ‘Sangam’ of ‘virasat’ and ‘vikas’.

Leading the display is an impressive replica of the ‘Amrit Kalash’ tilted forward, symbolising the flow of the sacred ‘Amritdhara’. Surrounding it, seers and saints have been depicted blowing conch shells, performing ‘snan’ at Sangam, and engaging in meditation, while devotees immerse themselves in the holy waters of the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

On the panel of the trailer, the ‘akharas’, and devotees going for the ‘Amrit snan’ are depicted through murals and LED screens, according to a description of the tableau shared by Defence Ministry officials earlier.

At its core, the mythical tale of ‘Samudra Manthan’ has been vividly depicted, symbolising the profound historical and cultural significance of the Maha Kumbh. On its back side, 14 gems that emerged from the churning of the ocean, have been depicted, it said.

“It is a matter of honour and great pride that Maha Kumbh, our great heritage will be showcased on Kartavya Path while the religious gathering is currently underway in Prayagraj,” Ram Manohar Tripathi, deputy director in the Department of Information & Public Relations of Uttar Pradesh government said on January 22, during a preview of the Republic Day tableau here.

“With depictions of ‘Samudra Manthan’, ‘Amrit Kalash’ and holy men bathing on the banks of the confluence, people will get a feel of ‘Sangam’ during the Republic Day Parade. And, this tableau also depicts various development initiatives of the UP government, thus it is sort of a ‘sangam’ of ‘virasat’ and ‘vikas’,” he had told PTI.

A troupe of artistes dressed in traditional attire walked while another person blew a conch and a few others played ‘damru’, walking along side the state tableau. The Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years in Prayagraj.

Highlighting the robust technological and digital preparations for Maha Kumbh, the tableau also showcases the state-of-the-art Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) for efficient security and crowd management at the Kumbh. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The IAF choppers were flying in a ‘dhwaj formation’.

Washington, United States:

The United States extended greetings to India on Republic Day, and said Washington joins New Delhi on the occasion to recognize its “enduring significance as the foundation of the world’s largest democracy.”

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a statement, said the India-US relationship continues to reach new heights and will be the “defining relationship of the 21st century.”

“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India as they celebrate their nation’s Republic Day. As they commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India, we join them in recognizing its enduring significance as the foundation of the world’s largest democracy,” Rubio said in his statement.

Stating that the US looks forward to deepening the cooperation between the two countries, Rubio stressed the importance of Quad to promote a “free, open, and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

“The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights and will be a defining relationship of the 21st century. The enduring friendship between our two peoples is the bedrock of our cooperation and propels us forward as we realize the tremendous potential of our economic relationship. We look forward to deepening our cooperation in the year ahead, including by advancing our joint efforts in space research and coordination within the Quad to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the statement said.

In a grand showcase of the country’s unique blend of rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess at the Kartavya Path, India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day today. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the country’s celebrations today. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Earlier this week, Marco Rubio marked his first day as the new US Secretary of State by hosting the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan for a significant meeting of the QUAD alliance between the four nations, emphasising the commitment of the alliance in strengthening economic opportunity and ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held the meeting with his Quad counterparts–External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya, and Australia’s Penny Wong–at the US Department of State.
He also held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Washington, DC, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership, an official press release by the US Department of State said.

Secretary Rubio and EAM Jaishankar affirmed a shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India. They discussed a wide range of topics, including regional issues and opportunities to further deepen the U.S.-India relationship.

Secretary Rubio also emphasized that the Trump Administration desires to work with India to advance economic ties and address concerns related to irregular migration.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Washington, United States:

The United States extended greetings to India on Republic Day, and said Washington joins New Delhi on the occasion to recognize its “enduring significance as the foundation of the world’s largest democracy.”

US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a statement, said the India-US relationship continues to reach new heights and will be the “defining relationship of the 21st century.”

“On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the people of India as they celebrate their nation’s Republic Day. As they commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India, we join them in recognizing its enduring significance as the foundation of the world’s largest democracy,” Rubio said in his statement.

Stating that the US looks forward to deepening the cooperation between the two countries, Rubio stressed the importance of Quad to promote a “free, open, and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region.

“The partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights and will be a defining relationship of the 21st century. The enduring friendship between our two peoples is the bedrock of our cooperation and propels us forward as we realize the tremendous potential of our economic relationship. We look forward to deepening our cooperation in the year ahead, including by advancing our joint efforts in space research and coordination within the Quad to promote a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” the statement said.

In a grand showcase of the country’s unique blend of rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess at the Kartavya Path, India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day today. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the country’s celebrations today. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Earlier this week, Marco Rubio marked his first day as the new US Secretary of State by hosting the Foreign Ministers of Australia, India, and Japan for a significant meeting of the QUAD alliance between the four nations, emphasising the commitment of the alliance in strengthening economic opportunity and ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held the meeting with his Quad counterparts–External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Japan’s Takeshi Iwaya, and Australia’s Penny Wong–at the US Department of State.
He also held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Washington, DC, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership, an official press release by the US Department of State said.

Secretary Rubio and EAM Jaishankar affirmed a shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India. They discussed a wide range of topics, including regional issues and opportunities to further deepen the U.S.-India relationship.

Secretary Rubio also emphasized that the Trump Administration desires to work with India to advance economic ties and address concerns related to irregular migration.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)