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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s reported cancellation of a trip to Pakistan at India’s urging reflects Jakarta’s dilemma in balancing its growing ties with the two South Asian rivals, analysts say.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Prabowo to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26 as the chief guest, Indian media reported. New Delhi has not responded to the reports of Prabowo’s visit.
The date, however, would clash with Prabowo’s planned visit to Pakistan later this month, according to other reports.
State-owned news agency Associated Press of Pakistan last week reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had instructed his cabinet to formulate a strategy to expand bilateral relations with Indonesia, as Prabowo was scheduled to visit Pakistan from January 26 to 28.
Citing a source in Islamabad’s foreign office, a report by the Pakistani newspaper Business Recorder said Prabowo was slated to meet with Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardarito, and both sides would sign “10 MoUs and agreements” during his visit.
A report by Indian news website The Wire, however, said that Prabowo would not be travelling to Pakistan immediately after India’s Republic Day celebrations.