• Source:JND

Every year on January 26, a grand parade is held on Republic Day. On this day, attention is drawn not only to the beautiful tableaux, but also to the foreign guests invited to India. The tradition of inviting a chief guest on Republic Day has existed in India since independence. Chief Guests are invited keeping in mind India's economic and geopolitical interests, and their presence also strengthens the close ties between India and that particular nation.

When Did This Tradition Begin?

The tradition of inviting a Chief Guest on Republic Day in India began on January 26, 1950. It was on this day that the Constitution of India was enacted and India was declared a republic. Therefore, on Republic Day, India wanted to send the message to the world that India is a free and democratic nation. Therefore, to give this special day an international dimension, the tradition of inviting a Chief Guest began in India.

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Who Was First Chief Guest Of Independent India?

For the first time, Indonesian President Dr Sukarno was invited to India's Republic Day celebrations. The reason for inviting the Indonesian President was that the country had also just been liberated from the ravages of colonialism, and India and Indonesia were considered allies in Asia.

Who Is Invited In 2026?

The chief guest invited for this year's Republic Day is extremely important for India. India has selected two chief guests from the European Union for its 77th Republic Day. Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa have been invited as chief guests this year.

Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission, overseeing the policy and affairs of the European Union. Antonio Costa is the President of the European Council, presiding over EU summits.

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Guest List For Last 10 Years

2026:
Chief Guest: Ursula von der Leyen; Antonio Costa
Country/Organisation: European Union

2025:
Chief Guest: President Prabowo Subianto
Country: Indonesia

2024:
Chief Guest: President Emmanuel Macron
Country: France

2023:
Chief Guest: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
Country: Egypt

2022:
Chief Guest: No chief guest (due to COVID-19)

2021:
Chief Guest: Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Country: United Kingdom

2020:
Chief Guest: President Jair Bolsonaro
Country: Brazil

2019:
Chief Guest: President Cyril Ramaphosa
Country: South Africa

2018:
Chief Guest: Leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries
Country/Organisation: ASEAN nations

2017:
Chief Guest: Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed
Country: United Arab Emirates


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