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

Published 7 July 2026 · local

'Brought Two Nations Closer': Why PM Modi Lauded Biju Patnaik In Indonesia Published By, Last Updated: July 07, 2026, 16:37 IST PM Modi lauded Biju

'Brought Two Nations Closer': Why PM Modi Lauded Biju Patnaik In Indonesia Published By, 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. PM Modi addresses the MoU exchange ceremony following delegation-level talks in Indonesia. (PTI photo); Late Biju Patnaik (Image:X/@Naveen_Odisha) 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.

What PM Modi Said “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. Emphasising the deep maritime ties between India and Indonesia, the PM added that the “sea" has always connected the two nations instead of dividing them. “For India and Indonesia, the sea has never represented distance. It has always been a bridge between our nations and remains central to our shared future," he said.

What Was Biju Patnaik’s Contribution To Indonesia’s Freedom Struggle? Biju Patnaik is remembered in Indonesia for his daring mission during the country’s fight against Dutch colonial rule in 1947. Acting on then-PM Jawaharlal Nehru’s request, the aviator undertook a covert operation to evacuate Sjahrir and Hatta, who had been placed under house arrest by Dutch forces. Along with his co-pilot wife, Gyanwati Patnaik, he flew a Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft into Indonesian airspace despite threats that the plane would be shot down. The mission succeeded, and the two leaders were flown via Singapore before reaching New Delhi on July 24, 1947, helping draw global attention to Indonesia’s independence movement. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.