PM Modi Calls Indian Diaspora 'Men of the Match'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a vibrant gathering of the Indian community in Jakarta, describing the diaspora as the true "Men of the Match" behind the enduring friendship between India and Indonesia.

Drawing a light-hearted parallel with the ongoing FIFA World Cup excitement, he said football has become a memorable connection during each of his visits to Indonesia.

"Whenever I have visited Indonesia, the excitement of the FIFA World Cup has been in the air," the Prime Minister said. Recalling his visits to Jakarta in 2018, Bali in 2022, and Jakarta again in 2026, he remarked that the Indian community had been the constant force behind the warmth and enthusiasm witnessed on every occasion.

Prime Minister Modi also dedicated Indonesia's highest civilian honour, conferred on him earlier in the day, to the people of India and the Indian diaspora living in Indonesia.

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PM Modi addressed a community event of the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, Indonesia, celebrating the enduring bonds between the two nations. pic.twitter.com/c3uTgkVk8s

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Calling the recognition an honour for all 140 crore Indians, he said the award reflects the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and the strong people-to-people ties that continue to flourish.

Referring to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's earlier remarks about having "India's DNA," Modi said the statement had touched the hearts of millions of Indians. He described this shared DNA as one built on mutual trust, common heritage, and centuries-old civilisational links.

Highlighting the geographical proximity between the two countries, the Prime Minister noted that India's Great Nicobar Island lies only about 150 kilometres from Indonesia's Aceh province, demonstrating how closely connected the neighbouring nations are.

The Prime Minister also showcased India's expanding social welfare network, highlighting flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, which together provide affordable insurance coverage to nearly 88 crore beneficiaries. He said claims worth around ₹22,000 crore have already been paid, ensuring financial support reaches families during difficult times.

He further praised India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, saying it has transformed welfare delivery by ensuring government benefits reach beneficiaries directly without leakages.

Emphasising India's rapid economic growth, Modi highlighted the inauguration of a massive refinery on July 4, noting that the scale of construction reflected the country's growing industrial capabilities. He said the steel used could build 40 Eiffel Towers or five Burj Khalifas, while the cabling laid would be enough to circle the Earth twice. He added that India has now emerged as one of the world's top four refining nations.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Indonesia, built on shared democratic values, historical ties, and a common vision for the Indo-Pacific.