'Brought Two Nations Closer': Why PM Modi Lauded Biju Patnaik In Indonesia

Last Updated:July 07, 2026, 16:37 IST

PM Modi lauded Biju Patnaik's role in Indonesia's independence, recalling his help to Sutan Sjahrir and Mohammad Hatta, strengthening India-Indonesia ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a visit to Indonesia, on Tuesday lauded former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik for his pivotal role in supporting the archipelagic nation’s independence movement, highlighting how the late BJD leader helped strengthen ties between the two countries.

Addressing the Indonesian Parliament in Jakarta, Modi recalled that Patnaik, who, as a pilot, safely flew Indonesia’s then-Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta from Dutch-controlled Java to India during the country’s struggle for independence.

“Both our nations gained independence around the same time: Indonesia in 1945 and India in 1947. When it came to sovereignty as independent nations, India became a strong voice in support of Indonesia’s independence movement at the United Nations. The role played by the respected Biju Patnaik during that period- the way he safely brought Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta to India brought the two nations closer," Modi said.

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Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish...Read More

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