Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto To Attend Republic Day Parade, May Call Off Adjoining Pakistan Trip

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is expected to attend India's Republic Day celebration in New Delhi as the Chief Guest.

Sources revealed this information on Saturday. Although Jakarta had planned a visit to Pakistan following his India trip, it seems unlikely now due to concerns raised by New Delhi. India has not yet officially announced this year's Republic Day Chief Guest.

Photo Credit: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to engage in extensive discussions with President Subianto during his visit.

Each year, India extends invitations to global leaders for the Republic Day event. Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron was the Chief Guest, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended in 2023.

Republic Day Celebrations: A Historical Overview

The Republic Day celebrations have seen numerous distinguished guests over the years. In 2020, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was present, and in 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa graced the occasion. The 2018 event was notable for hosting leaders from all ten ASEAN countries.

In previous years, several prominent figures have attended the celebrations. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was the Chief Guest in 2017. Former French President Francois Hollande attended in 2016, and former US President Barack Obama witnessed the parade in 2015.

Notable Past Attendees

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the Chief Guest in 2014, while Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck attended in 2013. Other notable attendees include Nicolas Sarkozy, Vladimir Putin, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Mohammed Khatami, and Jacques Chirac.

In 1993, British Prime Minister John Major attended the celebration. Nelson Mandela participated as South Africa's President in 1995. South Korean President Lee Myung Bak witnessed the parade in 2010. In 2008, Nicolas Sarkozy attended as France's President, while Jacques Chirac graced the occasion in 1998.

Nepal's King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev visited in 1999. Iran's then-President Mohammed Khatami attended in 2003. Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was present in 2011. Maldives' President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom participated in the celebrations back in 1991.

The tradition of inviting world leaders to India's Republic Day celebrations highlights India's diplomatic relations and cultural ties with various nations. This year's event promises to continue this legacy with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's anticipated presence.