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ndian Ambassador to Indonesia Biren Nanda hopes to develop a strategic partnership between India and Indonesia given the many similarities and the fact that both peoples have been connected for the past 2,000 years.

“We want to develop a strategic relationship because we are neighbors and we have a long history of cultural relations — more than 2,000 years,” Nanda told The Jakarta Post after watching the Indonesia-India performance of the ballet, Ramayana, at Candi Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta on Wednesday evening.

The show commemorated six decades of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and India.

Both countries will forge cooperation in various fields such as politics, education and trade. “It is also important to develop people-to-people relations,” added Nanda, who stayed to watch the outdoor performance despite the rain.

For India, Indonesia is a strategic partner because both countries have many similarities, such as multi-ethnic society and a democratic political system. “In recent years, our relationship has become closer. This is good for both countries and good for the region,” Nanda said.

Director for South and Central Asia Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, Rizali W. Indrakesuma, said the Indonesia-India production of Ramayana could serve as inspiration for cooperation for both countries in various fields. “The intensity of relations between India and Indonesia declined at one point, but it has picked up again, lately,” Rizali said.

Rizal added that Indonesia should have good diplomatic relations with India because India was pegged by many experts to be the next giant in the 10 to 15 years, after China.

He said Indonesia and India had much in common culturally and historically, but had not yet fully benefitted from their similarities.

“Now, we’re back on the right path,” Rizali added.

He also said that Indonesia would gain many advantages from good relations with India. As a new economic giant, India can provide many benefits to Indonesia.

“Some of the world’s conglomerates come from India. Many Indian companies have invested in Indonesia,” Rizali said.