Ramayana and Mahabharata were composed by Sage Valmiki and Sage Krishna Dwaipayana (Vyasa) respectively, when the people were still under Rig Vedic influence as the puranas were not in existence back then. That was why, except in the interpolated sections of those epics, the role of Indra was prominently mentioned, as the Chief of Gods.
A) Ramayana
(i) In Aranya Kanda, when Shri Rama goes to ashrama of Sage Sharabhanga, Indra was chatting with him. Upon seeing Shri Rama, Indra says
इह उपयाति असौ रामो यावन् माम् न अभिभाषते |
निष्ठाम् नयत तावत् तु ततो मा द्रष्टुम् अर्हति || ३-५-२२
जितवन्तम् कृतार्थम् हि तदा अहम् अचिराद् इमम् |
कर्म हि अनेन कर्तव्यम् महत् अन्यैः सुदुष्करम् || ३-५-२३Here comes Rama. Before he talks to me, Let me move out of this place as he is not eligible to see me. He has to do a great task which is difficult for others. I can see him when he accomplishes the taste and emerges victorious.
not eligible to see me - मा द्रष्टुम् अर्हति. Please note that Indra did not want to talk to Shri Rama till he accomplishes Indra’s task.
(ii) After eliminating Ravana (Yuddha Kanda), Indra himself comes and meets Shri Rama. Indra even gives boon to him.
अमोघं दर्शनं राम तवास्माकं नरर्षभ |
प्रीतियुक्ताः स्म तेन त्वं ब्रूहि यन्मनसेप्सितम् || ६-१२०-२"O Rama, the foremost among men! Your sight of us, should not go in vain. Therefore, tell us whatever is desired by you."
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