In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to US President Joe Biden to serve as the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations, scheduled for January 26, 2024. The announcement was made by US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, who revealed that the invitation was extended during the leaders’ bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
The invitation signifies the growing importance of the India-US relationship and underscores the deepening ties between the two nations across various sectors, including defense, trade, and strategic cooperation.
Regarding the possibility of the Quad summit being hosted in India around the same time, Ambassador Garcetti indicated that he was not aware of such plans. The Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, holds an annual summit, and it is India’s turn to host the event next year.
India’s tradition of inviting world leaders as Chief Guests for Republic Day celebrations has long been a symbol of its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with nations across the globe. Notably, there was no Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Past Chief Guests have included Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, French President Francois Hollande, and former US President Barack Obama, among others.
The historic significance of Republic Day is amplified by the presence of these esteemed guests, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and goodwill. The invitation to President Biden is expected to further strengthen the bonds between India and the United States, affirming their partnership on regional and global issues.
Sources By Agencies