Guest Country and Republic Day

It has been a long journey for India, reminding the struggle led by our great leaders in establishing an independent India with a constitution of its own. And with 26 January 2011, India marks her 62st Republic day. A celebration that begins with remembering the many unknown soldiers who laid their lives for India’s freedom; initiating the occasion with the traditional Republic day parade, bringing alive the culture of India and Her achievements so far. It has also been a tradition to invite a guest of honour, who is either the head of state or government of a country other than India.  

In fact, the guest country is “chosen after a deliberation of strategic, economic and political interests.” In 1950, India had invited Indonesian President Sukarno to be the guest of honour for the first Republic Day. Years have passed by since then. Once again, India has the President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, to preside over the occasion.

Interestingly, the first visit of the Indonesian president was in the spirit of anti-colonialism where Indian Prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru played a major role in Indonesia’s independence from the Dutch (Netherlands). But today, along with recalling a forgotten slice of history, the two countries are working towards business ties.

This is not the first time that India has sent out an invitation to a guest country more than once. The list also includes chief guest from Pakistan, Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, Bhutan, Brazil and Nigeria more than once – thus, building strategic relationship for better growth prospects through such visits.

According to a news story, “most of these visits in the earlier decades were about political symbolism rather than economic or strategic substance. That began to change over the last decade.” Little wonder then, Republic day celebrations not only evoke the patriotic fervour of the Indian citizens but also open the doors for international tie-ups.