Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a visit to Indonesia, and he addressed the Indonesian parliament, telling lawmakers that his friendship with President Prabowo goes far beyond any boundary that copyright could ever draw.
An emotional start before Indonesian lawmakers
Opening his address, PM Narendra Modi said it was a matter of great fortune for him to stand before the Indonesian parliament. Speaking as a representative of 1.40 billion Indians and as a proud citizen of the mother of democracy, he extended his best wishes to Indonesia on behalf of all Indians. He said the love and warmth with which the people of Indonesia welcomed him that very morning was something he would never be able to forget.
The copyright joke and the friendship with Prabowo
Addressing the parliament, PM Modi recalled that President Prabowo had brought up the subject of copyright earlier that morning. Responding to it, Modi said that no copyright can ever apply to feelings of love, affection, friendship or mutual respect. He added that his friendship with President Prabowo goes beyond every boundary that copyright could impose.
Indonesia's highest honour
PM Modi also revealed that earlier that same morning, he had the honour of receiving Indonesia's highest honour. He said he accepts, with humility and gratitude, the affection that the people of Indonesia hold for countless Indians.
A policy of development, not expansionism
Speaking to Indonesia's parliament, PM Modi said India is a country that follows a policy of development rather than expansionism. He said India champions the idea of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, meaning development for all through the participation of all. He said he was standing before the lawmakers that day carrying exactly this mantra and spirit.
Not a divide but a bridge between two nations
PM Modi went on to say that even though the capitals of India and Indonesia lie thousands of kilometres apart, the sea separates the two countries by a distance of just 150 kilometres. He said that while the sea has often acted as a barrier or a source of distance between other nations, for India and Indonesia it has never been a symbol of separation. Instead, he said, this sea works like a bridge between the two countries and stands at the centre of their shared future.
