newspop
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a glowing tribute to Odisha’s legendary leader Biju Patnaik while addressing the Indonesian Parliament on Tuesday, describing his daring 1947 rescue mission as a landmark moment that strengthened the friendship between India and Indonesia.
Speaking in Jakarta during his official visit, Modi recalled how Biju Patnaik risked his life to rescue Indonesian leaders at a crucial stage of their country’s independence struggle. He said the courageous operation brought the two nations closer and remains a proud chapter in their shared history.
The Prime Minister noted that India stood firmly with Indonesia during its fight for sovereignty and supported its independence movement on the global stage. Referring to Patnaik’s extraordinary role, Modi said the way he safely brought Indonesian Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta to India forged an enduring bond between the two countries.
Modi also highlighted the deep maritime relationship between India and Indonesia, saying the sea has always connected the two nations instead of separating them. He said this centuries-old connection continues to serve as the foundation for cooperation in defence, trade, technology, maritime security and the Indo-Pacific.
Biju Patnaik’s historic mission in 1947 remains one of the most remarkable episodes in India’s support for Indonesia’s freedom struggle. At the request of Jawaharlal Nehru, the young pilot flew a Douglas C-47 Dakota aircraft through a Dutch blockade to rescue Indonesian leaders who were under house arrest. Despite the risk of being shot down, Patnaik successfully flew Sutan Sjahrir and Mohammad Hatta out of Indonesia via Singapore before bringing them safely to New Delhi.
The daring operation helped Indonesian leaders mobilise international support against Dutch military action and drew global attention to their fight for independence. Patnaik’s bravery earned him lasting admiration in Indonesia, where he is remembered as one of the country’s most respected international friends.
By invoking Biju Patnaik’s legacy in Jakarta, Prime Minister Modi underscored the deep historical ties between India and Indonesia while reaffirming both nations’ commitment to expanding cooperation across strategic and economic sectors.
