From Obama to Macron: Republic Day chief guests over the years

India's Republic Day celebrations have long been marked by the presence of distinguished international leaders as chief guests. Over the decades, the Republic Day parade has become a platform to showcase India’s rich culture, military might, and the growing strength of its relationships with other nations.

Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia, arrived in New Delhi as the chief guest for India's 76th Republic Day celebrations this year. This marked his first visit to India as head of state, symbolising deepening ties between the two nations. Subianto was welcomed by minister of state for external affairs, Pabitra Margherita.

French President Emmanuel Macron graced the 75th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as the chief guest. Macron expressed his admiration for India and extended warm Republic Day greetings to its people. His presence underscored the robust Indo-French relationship, built on shared values of democracy and global cooperation. (PTI photo)

In 2023, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi became the first leader from Egypt to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. A military contingent from the Egyptian Army also joined the parade. This marked a significant moment as India resumed high-profile guest participation after a two-year Covid-induced hiatus. (PTI photo)

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was the chief guest for the 71st Republic Day celebrations. The grand parade at Rajpath featured a rich display of India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. (PTI photo)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attended India’s 70th Republic Day as the chief guest, witnessing a magnificent parade showcasing India’s cultural heritage and military capabilities. This visit reflected the historical ties shared by the two nations, rooted in their mutual struggles against colonialism and apartheid.

In a historic gesture, leaders of 10 Asean nations were invited as chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations in 2018. This marked a powerful symbol of India’s "Act East" policy and its growing relationship with Southeast Asia. The leaders represented nations including Myanmar, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Singapore, showcasing the importance of regional cooperation and shared progress. (Image credits: Asean.org)

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in 2017. A 149-member UAE military contingent also participated in the parade. This visit reinforced India’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in the Gulf region.

Francois Hollande, the then President of France, was the Republic Day chief guest in 2016. This was the third visit by a French President for the occasion, following Jacques Chirac in 1998 and Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008. (Image credits: MEA)

Barack Obama became the first US President to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2015 as the chief guest. His presence signaled a new era in Indo-US relations, with a focus on defense, trade, and clean energy.