India invites US President Donald Trump to be Republic Day chief guest in 2019

Union Government has invited United States President Donald Trump to be the chief guest at 2019 Republic Day celebrations. The invite was reportedly followed up with multiple rounds of diplomatic talks. If President Trump accepts the invitation, he will be second serving US President after Barack Obama to be invited as chief guest of Republic Day Parade. It will indicate importance of the Indo-U.S. relationship.

Background

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited US President Trump and his family to India when he visited Washington in June 2017. His daughter Ivanka Trump, who is seen as President’s adviser, had travelled to India in September 2017 as head of US delegation for Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at PM Modi’s invitation.
Earlier Chief guests of India’s Republic Day parades are 2018- 10 Leaders of ASEAN Countries (It was first Republic Day event that saw participation of many leaders at same time as chief guests), 2017- Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi), 2016- Francois Hollande (President of France), 2015-Barack Obama (US President), 2014- Shinzo Abe (Japanese Prime Minister), 2013-Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan), 2012-Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime Minister of Thailand), 2011- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Then President of Indonesia).

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2018