Every year since 1950, India has been hosting a head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations. The Chief Guest is chosen on the basis of strategic, economic and political interests.
Here are other famous personalities who have added value to the parade over the years:
1. President Sukarno, Indonesia – 1950
Source: (L) Twitter, (R) Twitter
President Sukarno was the first President of Indonesia and also the chief guest of India’s first Republic Day celebration in 1950. He witnessed Dr Rajendra Prasad being sworn in as the first President of Republic India.
2. King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah, Nepal – 1951
Source: Twitter
3. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutan – 1954
Source: Pinterest
Leaders from Bhutan have been invited for Republic Day celebrations four times now. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was the first.
4. Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad, Pakistan – 1955
Source: Facebook
Between 1950 and 1954, Republic Day celebrations were organised at different venues like Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramlila Grounds. It was in 1955 that Rajpath became the permanent venue for the parade, and Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was invited as the chief guest that year.
5. Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom – 1961
Source: Twitter
6. Prime Minister Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius – 1972
Source: Twitter
7. Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, Australia – 1979
Source: Twitter
8. President Nelson Mandela, South Africa – 1995
Source: Twitter
9. President Vladimir Putin, Russia – 2007
Source: PIB
10. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan – 2014
Source: Twitter
11. President Barack Obama, United States – 2015
