When I read that President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade this year, my first thought was life coming full circle since the tradition began in the year 1950 with the then-Indonesian President Sukarno.
Each year, India’s Republic Day celebration is more than a patriotic commemoration of its constitutional adoption; it is a diplomatic masterstroke, showcasing the country’s geopolitical intentions, alliances, and aspirations on a global stage. The choice of the Guest of Honour, a head of state or government, is a deliberate, carefully calculated decision reflecting India’s foreign policy priorities and its response to international dynamics.
Over decades, the presence of these distinguished guests has revealed the undercurrents of international relations, the evolution of India’s global identity, and the intricate dance of diplomacy in a multipolar world. Whether a show of solidarity during tumultuous times, a signal to rivals, or an invitation to deeper collaboration, the tradition underscores India’s ability to use its cultural celebrations as a platform for geopolitics.
A Tradition Rooted in Diplomacy
Since the first Republic Day in 1950, when Indonesian President Sukarno was honoured, the guest list has read like a who’s who of global leadership. Sukarno’s invitation was no coincidence; it signified a shared post-colonial solidarity between two nations emerging from the shadows of European imperialism. Both nations were also pivotal to the Bandung Conference of 1955, laying the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement.
In subsequent years, India used its Republic Day stage to underline its Cold War stance. Leaders from the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and the developing world often graced the event, reflecting India’s tilt towards socialist nations and its commitment to South-South cooperation.
For instance, the presence of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito in 1968 reinforced India’s leadership role in the Non-Aligned Movement. Similarly, in 1969, the invitation to the UK’s Prime Minister Harold Wilson indicated India’s intent to maintain cordial relations with the West, even while leaning towards the Soviet bloc.
Shifts in Focus: The Economic Liberalisation Era
The 1990s marked a turning point for India, both economically and diplomatically. As the country opened its markets through economic liberalisation, the choice of Republic Day guests began reflecting India’s intent to integrate with the global economy.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori’s presence in 2000 was emblematic of this shift. As Japan emerged as a leading investor and technology partner, India was signalling its readiness to engage with Asia’s economic powerhouses. Similarly, in 2008, the invitation extended to French President Nicolas Sarkozy symbolised India’s growing ties with Europe, particularly in defence and nuclear energy.
The landmark year of 2015, when then-US President Barack Obama attended as the Guest of Honour, demonstrated India’s growing strategic alignment with the United States and the West in general. It was the first time a sitting US president had graced the occasion, underlined the nations’ shared commitment to democracy, counterterrorism, and economic collaboration.
Obama’s presence underscored a growing convergence of interests between India and the United States in areas like defence cooperation, trade, and climate change. It was during this visit that the two countries renewed their Defence Framework Agreement for another decade, highlighting their mutual goal of ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, the leaders unveiled a joint statement on combating climate change, signifying India’s readiness to play a more proactive role in global environmental governance.
The China Factor and Regional Balances
In recent decades, India’s Republic Day guest list has also served as a barometer for its approach to the shifting balance of power in Asia as well as its ‘Look-East, Act-East’ policy. Invitations to ASEAN leaders in 2018 and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2019 reflected India’s Act East Policy and its efforts to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
The 2021 invitation to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, though ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, symbolised the deepening of India-UK ties in a post-Brexit world. Similarly, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s attendance in 2023 reflected India’s growing interest in Africa and the Middle East, regions critical to its energy security and trade, while also challenging a kind of Chinese influence monopoly in the region.
Soft Power in Action
Beyond geopolitics, Republic Day guests have often embodied India’s cultural and diplomatic soft power. The parades, which showcase India’s diverse traditions, achievements, and military might, serve as an invitation for collaboration and mutual respect.
The 2016 attendance of French President François Hollande, for example, coincided with India’s purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets, but it also celebrated a kind of cultural exchange. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia’s presence in 2006 highlighted India’s growing ties with the Gulf, home to millions of Indian expatriates and a vital source of remittances.
The Geopolitical Significance of 2025’s Guest
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade this year and once again being on the good side of Indonesia will serve India’s geopolitical interests, not just to counter Chinese influence in the region but also as a part of its Indo-Pacific strategy.
The MEA while announcing his confirmation as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations, said that “India and Indonesia share warm and friendly ties spanning over millennia. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.”
Stories from the Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata serve as a rich foundation for Indonesian folk art and drama, reflecting a shared cultural heritage. This cultural connection, combined with a common colonial history and aligned post-independence goals, i.e., political sovereignty, economic self-reliance, and an independent foreign policy, forms the backbone of India and Indonesia’s strong bilateral ties.
Indonesia has also become India’s largest trading partner within the ASEAN region. According to the Department of Commerce, bilateral trade between the two nations reached USD 38.85 billion during the 2022-23 fiscal year, marking a 48% increase from the previous year. India’s exports to Indonesia rose by 18%, amounting to USD 10.02 billion, while imports surged by 62%, totalling USD 28.82 billion.
Mirroring the Times
Each Republic Day Guest of Honour serves as a snapshot of India’s priorities at a given moment in history. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s invitation in 2020 exemplified this, as it was aimed at bolstering India-Brazil trade ties amid global economic uncertainty. In contrast, the 1963 invitation to Burma (now Myanmar) President Ne Win reflected a shared struggle for sovereignty in the post-colonial era.
The tradition also puts in perspective, India’s ability to navigate its dual identity as a developing country and an emerging global power. By inviting guests who resonate with these dual identities, India crafts a narrative of unity, resilience, and progress.
The Future of Diplomacy through Tradition
As global challenges like climate change, economic disparities, and security threats intensify, India’s Republic Day guests will continue to carry symbolic weight. The tradition goes beyond merely ceremonial, it is a statement of intent, a message to the world about where India stands and where it is headed.
In the words of former President Pranab Mukherjee, “India’s Republic Day is not just a celebration of democracy; it is a celebration of diplomacy.” By choosing its Guests of Honour with precision, India ensures that this celebration resonates far beyond the nation’s borders, shaping its place in the world for years to come.
