'Have an Indian DNA, when I hear Indian music…’: Indonesian President Subianto

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was India's Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations, has said that he has an "Indian DNA" and he "starts dancing" whenever he hears Indian music.

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Subianto made these remarks during an at-home reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day. The reception was attended by several dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar.

Subianto said, "India and Indonesia have a long ancient history together. We have a civilisational links. Even now a very important part of our language is from Sanskrit; many Indonesian names are actually Sanskrit names. In our daily life, the influence of ancient Indian civilisation is very strong."

"A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing."

He added, "I think it is part of our genetics. A few weeks ago, I had my genetic sequencing test and DNA test and they told me that I have an Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing. So, it must be part of my make-up."