PADANG | INDATANEWS.COM – A series of high-level meetings and official working visits in West Sumatra throughout May 2026 have further deepened bilateral relations between India and Indonesia. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, healthcare, tourism, cultural exchange, and human resource development.
Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Sandeep Chakravorty, visited West Sumatra and met Governor H.E. Mahyeldi Ansharullah at the Governor's Office in Padang on May 12, 2026. He was accompanied by the Consul General of India in Medan, Mr. Ravi Shanker Goel.
Both sides held in-depth discussions on new avenues of cooperation in investment, energy, healthcare, education, tourism, and cultural development. Governor Mahyeldi highlighted the significant potential of West Sumatra's gambier value chain, noting that the province is one of the world's largest producers, while India remains a major importer of catechin-based products.
Read Also: India Leads Global AI Governance Push at New Delhi Summit Gambier Downstreaming as a Strategic Priority
Governor Mahyeldi emphasized the importance of attracting Indian investment into gambier processing industries. He noted that such collaboration would not only create new employment opportunities but also significantly improve the income of local farmers. He also introduced the Padang Industrial Park as a strategic and investment-ready location for international investors.
The meeting was attended by senior provincial officials, including the deputy governor, representatives from Bappeda, DPMPTSP, and other regional agencies.
Education, Healthcare, and Scholarship Programs Expand Cooperation
Read Also: Indian Consulate Reviews Sei Mangkei KEK Investment Potential Another key focus of the discussions was strengthening cooperation in education and healthcare. Both parties agreed to enhance institutional collaboration through training programs, academic exchanges, scholarships, and capacity-building initiatives for civil servants.
India underscored its strengths in affordable healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, and medical education. New scholarship schemes and training opportunities for students and government officials from West Sumatra are currently being developed and are in the implementation phase.
Cultural Diplomacy and Regional Engagement
Cultural cooperation was also highlighted, particularly the traditional Serak Gulo Festival in Padang, held annually in December. Governor Mahyeldi expressed interest in incorporating Indian cultural elements into the festival to further enhance tourism and cultural exchange.
Read Also: Indian Consulate Celebrates ITEC Day in Jambi, Strengthening Education and Skills Cooperation The visit reflected the growing cultural and economic ties between India and West Sumatra.
Diaspora Dialogue and Local Engagement in Padang
As part of a "Consular Camp" held at Hotel Mercure Padang, the Ambassador and Consul General met with members of the Indian diaspora. Discussions centered on social issues, economic activities, and the diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral relations.
Padang City Supports Educational Cooperation with India
Padang Mayor H.E. Fadly Amran hosted the Indian Consul General at a dinner on May 11, 2026. He emphasized the importance of expanding educational cooperation, particularly for students from Padang who wish to study in India.
He also praised the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Scholarship Programme and announced initiatives to promote cultural exchange, including screenings of Indian films in Padang.
University Partnerships and Future Collaboration
The Consul General reaffirmed India's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for international students. Initial discussions are also underway with Universitas Andalas regarding potential academic partnerships and student exchange programmes.
Cultural and Economic Exploration Strengthens Ties
During his visit, Ambassador Chakravorty also toured the Adityawarman Museum in Padang to explore Minangkabau culture and history. He additionally visited PT Rajdular Brothers (RDB) to assess opportunities for cooperation in gambier processing and trade.
These engagements reflect a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunities and deepening cultural understanding between both sides.
The series of diplomatic engagements underscores the continued commitment of India and West Sumatra to strengthening their strategic partnership across economic, educational, healthcare, and cultural sectors. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala