Jakarta, July 7 -- President Prabowo Subianto bestowed Indonesia's highest order of merit on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta on Monday, hailing his role in deepening relations between the two countries.

"Today, as president of the Republic of Indonesia, I thank His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his willingness to receive the highest mark of honor from Indonesia, namely Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna," he remarked.

Issuing a joint statement with the Indian leader at the Merdeka Palace, Prabowo described the star-shaped civil honor as recognition of Modi's leadership and contribution to elevating Indonesia-India ties to a strategic comprehensive partnership.

He said the prime minister had demonstrated co...