NEW DELHI, Jan 26: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, joining the distinguished list of global leaders who have graced the nation’s grand ceremonial event over the past seven decades.
Marking a historical connection, Subianto’s visit comes 75 years after Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, was the chief guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day celebrations in 1950. As the chief guest this year, Subianto, alongside President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Cabinet members, and other dignitaries, witnessed a spectacular military parade and cultural performances at Kartavya Path in the heart of the national capital.
A First for Indonesia’s Military Contingent
For the first time in history, a 352-member Indonesian marching and band contingent participated in a Republic Day parade outside their nation. Notably, Subianto, a former defence minister, had taken a personal interest in overseeing the contingent’s rehearsals in Jakarta before their journey to India.
Strengthening India-Indonesia Defence Ties
Accompanied by six cabinet ministers, senior officials, and a large business delegation, Subianto’s four-day state visit is seen as a significant step in bolstering India-Indonesia relations. On Saturday, Subianto held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Modi, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation between the two countries.
India’s Republic Day Tradition of Global Guests
India’s Republic Day celebrations have long been marked by the presence of international dignitaries. Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this tradition in 2021 and 2022.
In recent years, notable leaders such as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (2020), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (2019), and the leaders of all 10 ASEAN nations (2018) have attended the event. High-profile attendees have also included US President Barack Obama (2015), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (2014), and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2017).
Over the decades, global icons like Nelson Mandela (1995), Vladimir Putin (2007), Nicolas Sarkozy (2008), and Jacques Chirac (1998) have witnessed the majestic Republic Day parade, underscoring the international significance of the occasion.
Showcasing India’s Military Might
This year’s parade displayed India’s military strength with elite marching contingents, indigenous weapon systems, and advanced missiles, symbolizing the nation’s defence capabilities. The event also highlighted cultural diversity through vibrant performances, further reinforcing India’s unity and heritage on the global stage.
Recent Comments