In a notable gesture showcasing the deepening ties between India and the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited US President Joe Biden to be the chief guest at India’s prestigious Republic Day parade scheduled for January 26. The invitation was extended during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit, according to America’s ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti.
The development came to light on Wednesday, confirming that the Indian Prime Minister personally invited President Biden to grace the occasion which is held annually to honour the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect, marking the country’s transition to a republic.
Speculations had been rife about a significant Quad presence in the upcoming Republic Day celebration, a conjecture substantiated by sources revealing plans to invite leaders from all Quad nations, which, besides the US, includes Australia and Japan.
US Presidents sharing the honour as chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations have precedent; Barack Obama became the inaugural holder of this distinction in 2015. This invitation to Biden carries forward a tradition that underscores the strategic partnership and the warm personal relations shared between the leaders of the two nations.
In a look back, the Republic Day of 2018 saw an invitation extended to then US President Donald Trump, who had to decline due to domestic commitments. Last year, the celebration was graced by Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
With the forthcoming Republic Day preparations in full swing, all eyes will be on the US President’s response to the invitation, which if accepted, promises to write a new chapter in Indo-US diplomatic relations.
