PM Modi, Indonesian president Joko Widodo fly kites in Jakarta

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday flew kites as they inaugurated the first joint kite exhibition themed on India's largest epics Ramayana and Mahabharata at Jakarta's National Monument.

Prime Minister Modi and President Widodo participated in the 'Kite Exhibition' which showcased the strong civilisational links between India and Indonesia. The two leaders flew kites with broad smiles on their faces.

"Cultural connect touching the skies! Ramayana themed joint kite exhibit unveiled...Ahmedabad and Jakarta Kite Museums exchange MoU," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

"PM @narendramodi and Indonesian President @jokowi together taking the relationship to new heights!" he tweeted along with a picture of both the leaders flying their kites at the exhibition.

The exhibition is themed on Hindu mythology epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata with images on kites of Lord Rama killing his rival Ravana and of demons.

The Ramayana theme is designed by Indonesian organisers while the Mahabharata theme has been designed by Indians.

"The Leaders welcomed the conclusion of the MoU between Layang-layang Museum Jakarta and Kite Museum of Ahmadabad and noted with appreciation the holding of the First Joint Kite Exhibition on the theme of Ramayana and Mahabharat at National Monument in Jakarta," Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Modi arrived in the Indonesian capital Jakarta yesterday on the first leg of his three-nation tour to East Asia during which he will also travel to Malaysia and Singapore to further boost India's Act East Policy.