THE Agam Resort Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) officers are measuring the diameter of the trunk of a medang tree (Litsea sp) in a forest in Koto Malintang, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, Thursday, August 20. Data from the West Sumatra BKSDA indicates that tree, predicted to be 560 years old, has a diameter of 4.6 meters, with 14 meters of stem circumference, and a total height of 50 meters. This has made the tree one of the biggest in Indonesia./ANTARA FOTO/Muhamad Arif Pribadi

This year, Indonesia and India mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. However, the ties between the two nations have existed much longer, predating the establishment of the Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of India. These connections span social, cultural, religious, economic, and trade aspects. But do those close ties of the past have any bearing on the present relationship? Why is there no direct flight between the capitals of the two countries?

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Sandeep Chakravorty, shares his views on this matter at TEMPO TALKS.