Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s playful comment about having “Indian DNA” left Indian leaders in stitches at a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Subianto was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in Delhi on Sunday, where the remark created a light-hearted moment.
On the evening before the grand parade, Subianto made the remark during a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was attended by President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other dignitaries.
A Witty Moment at the Banquet
The event was filled with formalities and speeches, but what caught everyone’s attention was Subianto’s unexpected, yet charming, joke about his connection to India. Standing at the centre of the gathering, he casually revealed that he had recently undergone a DNA test, which, to his surprise, had revealed he had “Indian DNA.”
This statement wasn’t just a casual observation. It was followed by his trademark humor: “Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing,” he quipped, causing a ripple of laughter among those present.
Laughter Ensued Among the Dignitaries
The atmosphere was light-hearted as Subianto’s words elicited genuine laughter from both Prime Minister Modi and Vice President Dhankhar, who were seated beside him. In a delightful moment captured in a video by ANI, the two leaders were seen chuckling, enjoying the candidness of the Indonesian President.
It wasn’t just the presence of Indian music or the DNA test that sparked laughter—it was Subianto’s ability to break the ice with such a playful remark. Leaders who often find themselves in more serious, diplomatic discussions appreciated the warmth and humor of his comment, which added a touch of fun to the event.
Indian DNA: A Surprising Connection?
The comment raised a few eyebrows, especially considering the historical ties between India and Indonesia. While the remark was clearly a jest, it also drew attention to the deeper, centuries-old cultural and historical exchanges between the two nations. Subianto’s lighthearted statement may have also alluded to these longstanding connections, which continue to strengthen diplomatic relations.
But what exactly did he mean by “Indian DNA”? It could be a playful reference to the cultural influence India has had over the Southeast Asian region. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Indian art forms have left an indelible mark on Indonesian society for centuries, making the remark all the more poignant, albeit delivered in jest.
A Moment of Humor Amidst Formal Diplomacy
Subianto’s “Indian DNA” remark wasn’t the only highlight of the evening, but it certainly stood out as a rare moment of humor amidst the formalities. As leaders from both nations mingled, the evening became a platform for building stronger relationships, with Subianto’s remark adding an unexpected yet memorable touch to the banquet.
While India and Indonesia share deep ties that span millennia, this playful moment showed that even in the highest echelons of power, leaders can connect with one another through humor and shared appreciation for each other’s cultures. The chemistry between President Subianto, Prime Minister Modi, and Vice President Dhankhar during the banquet certainly reflected this spirit of camaraderie.
The Video Goes Viral
Naturally, the video of the lighthearted moment quickly went viral across social media platforms. Many viewers took to Twitter and Instagram to share their amusement over Subianto’s comment. Indian netizens were quick to applaud the Indonesian President for his wit and humor, while others joked about their own “Indian DNA” after hearing the playful remark.
In an age where global leaders are often seen as stern and serious, moments like this remind the public that behind the official titles and speeches, there are leaders who can bring humor and warmth to the table. Subianto’s comment was a refreshing reminder that even during high-profile events, there’s always room for laughter.
The event also showed the close diplomatic relationship between India and Indonesia, highlighted by the friendly interactions between their leaders. The banter between Subianto, Modi, and Dhankhar underscores the importance of personal connections in international diplomacy.
