Who is the first US President to be invited as the Chief Guest of Indian Republic Day?
VerifiedAnswer: Former American President Barack Obama
Explanation:
Barack Obama made history by becoming the first United States President to be invited as the Chief Guest for India's Republic Day celebrations. This momentous occasion took place on January 26, 2015, marking a significant milestone in Indo-US diplomatic relations.
The invitation to President Obama was extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting in September 2014. This gesture was particularly special because it demonstrated the strengthening bonds between the world's oldest democracy (United States) and the world's largest democracy (India). The invitation reflected India's desire to deepen strategic partnerships with global superpowers.
During his three-day visit to India, Obama participated in the grand Republic Day parade at Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) in New Delhi. He witnessed the spectacular display of India's cultural diversity, military strength, and technological achievements alongside President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi. The parade showcased India's rich heritage through colorful floats representing different states and the impressive march-past by the Indian Armed Forces.
Obama's visit was notable for several reasons beyond the Republic Day celebrations. He became the first US President to visit India twice while in office, having previously visited in 2010. During this historic visit, both nations signed several important agreements covering areas like defence cooperation, clean energy, and trade relations. The visit also saw discussions on global issues including terrorism, climate change, and regional security.
The significance of having a US President as the Chief Guest cannot be understated. Republic Day is India's most important national celebration, commemorating the day when the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950. The Chief Guest position is traditionally offered to heads of state or government from nations that India wishes to strengthen diplomatic ties with. Previous Chief Guests have included leaders from various countries, but Obama's presence marked a new chapter in Indo-US relations.
This historic invitation also highlighted the personal chemistry between Obama and Modi, which played a crucial role in elevating bilateral relations. Their partnership focused on shared democratic values, economic cooperation, and mutual security interests in the Asia-Pacific region. The visit laid the foundation for enhanced collaboration in various sectors including technology, education, and space exploration, setting the stage for future diplomatic engagements between the two nations.
