US President Joe Biden is unlikely to travel to India to take part in the Republic Day celebrations, PTI report said on Tuesday. The development, which has not been confirmed officially, comes months after all the buzz surrounding Biden’s India trip. Earlier in September, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited President Biden for the Republic Day celebrations. Previous reports had said that an invitation was sent out to Biden to be the Chief Guest for the January 26 celebrations next year.
While neither the US nor the Indian administration has commented on the Republic Day invitation, the PTI reports that in all likelihood, India may host other Quad members for a key summit next year.
During a media interaction in September, Garcetti had said that PM Modi had invited Biden when the two leaders met for the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Delhi G20 summit. There were reports that not only Biden, Modi had also invited other QUAD members for the Republic Day celebrations. Many feel that due to the US elections, Biden may not be available to travel during this period. It is not just US that is busy in its home politics.
In Japan, the customary Parliamentary opening session is typically held in the final week of January, with the Prime Minister expected to participate in the initial weeks of the Budget session set for January 23. Meanwhile, in Australia, preparations are underway for the national day on January 26, dedicated to commemorating the establishment of the first enduring European settlement on the island continents.
Next year’s Republic Day will mark the 75 years of establishment of the Indian Constitution.