'India's economy is driving global growth': PM Modi tells Indian diaspora in Jakarta; says India is following the mantra of 'Reform, Perform and Transform'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the Indian diaspora in Jakarta during his visit to Indonesia, saying that India's rapidly growing economy is playing a major role in driving global growth while describing India-Indonesia relations as rooted in a shared civilisational heritage.

Speaking to members of the Indian community, Modi thanked them for their contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries and spoke about the warmth he had received since arriving in Indonesia.

'India's economy is playing a major role in global growth'

Highlighting India's economic progress, Modi said the country's growth has become an important driver of the global economy.


"India's economy is playing a major role in driving global growth," the Prime Minister said while addressing the Indian community in Jakarta.

He added that India is moving ahead by following the mantra of "Reform, Perform and Transform," which, he said, has helped accelerate the country's development and strengthen its position on the global stage.

Modi also praised the Indian diaspora for serving as ambassadors of Indian culture, values and traditions across the world.

PM Modi on President Prabowo's 'Indian DNA' remark

Modi recalled Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations and referred to a remark that, he said, had touched millions of Indians.

"You had said that you have India's DNA. That one statement won the hearts of millions of Indians, and even today, it received the loudest applause," Modi said.

Expanding on the remark, the Prime Minister added: "I want to say that DNA is built on mutual trust and shared history."

'India and Indonesia share civilisational ties'

The Prime Minister said the relationship between India and Indonesia extends far beyond diplomacy and is based on centuries-old cultural and historical links.

"The relations between India and Indonesia are civilisational," Modi said, stressing that the friendship between the two nations continues to grow stronger.

'When India and Indonesia move together, it becomes "bahut kuch"'

In a lighter moment, Modi referred to the popularity of the Bollywood film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in Indonesia.

"I noticed that the song Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is very popular here. Today, I told President Prabowo that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it becomes much more than just 'kuch kuch', it becomes 'bahut kuch'," he said, drawing applause from the audience.

Highest civilian honour dedicated to 1.4 billion Indians

Modi also spoke about receiving Indonesia's highest civilian honour earlier in the day and dedicated it to the people of India and the Indian diaspora.

"This honour belongs to 1.4 billion Indians and to all members of the Indian community. Above all, this award is another symbol of the close friendship between India and Indonesia," he said.

He thanked President Prabowo, the Indonesian government and the people of Indonesia for the recognition.

PM Modi thanks Indonesia for warm welcome

The Prime Minister said he was deeply moved by the welcome he received upon arriving in Indonesia.

"From the moment my aircraft entered Indonesian airspace and I set foot here, I have been overwhelmed by the affection and warmth shown by the people of Indonesia."

He also noted that President Prabowo personally received him at the airport along with members of the Cabinet, adding that the enthusiasm shown by the people, children and youth reflected the strong goodwill towards India.