Republic Day 2023 Chief Guests: India’s Republic Day parade, held annually on January 26th, is a grand spectacle of national pride, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and achievements. Since its inception in 1950, the parade has been graced by distinguished Chief Guests from around the world. These esteemed dignitaries have played a significant role in strengthening diplomatic ties and symbolizing the spirit of international cooperation. This year French President Emanuel Macron has been invited as the Chief Guest at the 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. This marks the sixth occasion since 1976 that a French leader will participate as the chief guest in India’s R-Day celebrations.
Let’s take a journey through the years, exploring the notable Chief Guests who have marked India’s Republic Day celebrations.
1950 – Indonesia’s President Sukarno
The first-ever Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day parade was President Sukarno of Indonesia. His presence underscored the significance of India’s commitment to fostering relations with fellow Asian nations.
1951 – King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah of Nepal
King Tribhuvan of Nepal attended the Republic Day parade in 1951, emphasizing the close ties and historical connections between the two neighboring nations.
1955 – Governor-General Malik Ghulam Muhammad (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s Governor-General Malik Ghulam Muhammad attended the parade in 1955, highlighting the early years of diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
1956 – Chancellor of the Exchequer Rab Butler (United Kingdom) and Kotaro Tanaka (Japan)
Rab Butler, the Chancellor of the Exchequer from the United Kingdom, was one of the Chief Guests in 1956, strengthening the diplomatic ties between India and the UK. The other was Chief Justice of Japan, Kotaro Tanaka.
1961 – Queen Elizabeth II (United Kingdom)
In a historic moment, Queen Elizabeth II graced the Republic Day celebrations in 1961, marking the first visit by a reigning British monarch to India since independence.
1974 – President Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) and Sirimavo Bandaranaike (Sri Lanka)
The charismatic Yugoslav leader, President Josip Broz Tito, attended the Republic Day parade in 1974, contributing to India’s diplomatic outreach during the Cold War era. Sri Lankan President Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the other chief guest at the occassion.
1976 – French leader Jacques Chirac
The inaugural French leader to receive an invitation as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade on January 26 was French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac in the year 1976. President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed hosted him during the event.
1980- French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing
In 1980, French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing received an invitation to attend the Republic Day parade as the chief guest. President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy hosted the distinguished guest during the event.
1984 – King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Bhutan)
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan attended the parade in 1984, symbolizing the close and friendly ties between the two Himalayan nations.
1998 – French President Jacques Chirac
French President Jacques Chirac was extended invitations on two occasions to participate in India’s Republic Day celebrations—initially in his capacity as the Prime Minister of France, and subsequently as the President in 1998. On both occasions, he was graciously hosted by his Indian counterpart, KR Narayanan.
2006 – King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Saudi Arabia)
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia was the Chief Guest in 2006, reflecting the growing strategic and economic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.
2008 – Nicola Sarkozy (France)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy graced India’s Republic Day parade in 2008 as the chief guest, and he was hosted by the then President of India, Pratibha Patel.
2015 – President Barack Obama (United States)
A historic moment unfolded in 2015 when President Barack Obama of the United States attended the Republic Day parade as the Chief Guest, underscoring the deepening Indo-U.S. relations.
2016 – Francois Hollande (France)
French President François Hollande was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade in 2016, and he was hosted by President Pranab Mukherjee.
2020 – Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil)
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was the chief guest at India’s R-Day in the year 2020.
2023- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt)
President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, was invited as the chief guest in the Republic Day celebrations last year in 2023.
These are just a few glimpses from the extensive list of Chief Guests who have graced India’s Republic Day parade. Over the years, these dignitaries have added a global touch to the celebrations, emphasizing the spirit of unity in diversity and international camaraderie that defines the essence of India’s Republic Day.