New Delhi:Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto is expected to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations this year as the Chief Guest, according to sources familiar with the matter. Reports indicate that Subianto will not proceed with his previously planned visit to Pakistan after his India trip. Following concerns raised by India, the Indonesian President decided to postpone his Pakistan visit.
India has yet to officially announce the Chief Guest for the 2025 Republic Day celebrations. During Subianto’s visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold extensive discussions with him, strengthening ties between the two nations.
Each year, India invites prominent global leaders to attend its Republic Day celebrations. Last year, French President Emmanuel Macron was the Chief Guest, while in 2023, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi graced the occasion. The celebrations in 2021 and 2022 saw no Chief Guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2020, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro was the Guest of Honour.
Over the years, many international leaders have attended the Republic Day event, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (2019), UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2017), and French President François Hollande (2016). Notable past guests include UK Prime Minister John Major (1993), South African leader Nelson Mandela (1995), and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak (2010).
Other prominent figures include Nepal’s King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev (1999), Iran’s President Mohammad Khatami (2003), and Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1991).
The visit by Indonesia’s President, if confirmed, is expected to add a significant chapter to India’s diplomatic history, showcasing the strength of India-Indonesia relations on a global platform.