New Delhi: Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto is likely to attend the upcoming Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest on January 26, according to media reports.
But there has been no official confirmation on this.
This has led to speculation as to why India is silent about its chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations. Usually, the Chief Guest for the event is announced beforehand. For instance, last year France’s President Emmanuel Macron was the Chief Guest and his visit was confirmed in December. Prior to that, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi was the Chief Guest for the 2023 event and his visit was confirmed in November, 2022.
So, what has stopped the Indian government from declaring it this time?
The delay was initially attributed to Indonesian President’s likely visit to Pakistan after attending the Republic Day event in New Delhi on the same day. This has been reported by various Pakistani media organisations and may not have gone down well with the Indian government, which having been practising de-hyphenation, a foreign policy, since the early 2000s. It requires foreign ministers or diplomats visiting India not to club their tour with the neighbouring Pakistan.
Recent reports, however, indicate that the Indonesia‘s president may not visit Pakistan after the Republic Day Parade as chief guest after New Delhi raised the issue with Jakarta. He will instead travel to Malaysia, a country with strong ties to India, the WION reported.
Subianto and his relations with India
Subianto is the 73-year-old former army general. He took over as the President in October 2024. During the visit, the President is expected to hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to reports.
Last year in June, the Prime Minister received a call from Subianto. According to reports, the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen a comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Indonesia.
“Delighted to receive a phone call from President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Wished him success for his upcoming presidency,” PM Modi tweeted at the time.
