Republic Day 2024: Quick Facts About Chief Guests Invited Since 1950
Chief Guest Selection
The process for selecting the Chief Guest for Indias Republic Day celebrations begins six months in advance, when the Indian government extends an invitation to either the Head of State or Head of Government of another nation, choosing countries based on the strength of diplomatic ties.
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No Guest Occasionally
Since 1950, India has almost always had a foreign Chief Guest for the Republic Day parade, with only 10 exceptions - mostly in the 1950s. Between 1952-53, 1956-57, 1959, 1962, 1964, 1966-67, and 1970 no guest was invited. However, every year since 1971 has featured an invited dignitary.
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Global Representation
Over the years Chief Guests have hailed from 47 different countries spanning Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
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French Connection
France tops the list with 5 invites followed by Bhutan and Mauritius with 4 and 3 visits each. Multiple other nations like Brazil, Pakistan, the UK and more have had representatives featured twice.
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Shifting Focus
In the first decades, Asian countries were most prominently featured. Starting in the 1960s more European dignitaries were invited, dominating the guest lists through the 1980s. The last two decades saw leaders from neighboring South Asian countries mostly.
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ASEAN First
A memorable exception came in 2018 when 10 leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations were welcomed as Chief Guests, the only time multiple dignitaries have been honored.
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Honored Few
Interestingly, Presidents have been invited 34 times, followed by Prime Ministers (18), Kings (9), and Queen Elizabeth II (once).
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Twice-Invited Dignitaries
Of the 60 total Chief Guests over the years, only three people have been invited to the position twice - Jacques Chirac of France, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, the 4th King of Bhutan, and Yugoslavias Josip Tito.
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Covid Impact
The COVID pandemic prevented any foreign guests from attending in 2021 and 2022 resulting in downsized domestic-only celebrations, a disruption from long-standing traditions.
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Republic Day 2024 Guest
French President Emmanuel Macron will grace the celebration of the 74th Republic Day as the Chief Guest this year.
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