It is a diplomatic coup of sorts. US President Barack Obama has accepted the invitation from PM Modi to be the chief guest at Republic Day parade on 26 January 2015. No US President has graced the occasion in last 64 years. “This Republic Day, we hope to have a friend over…invited President Obama to be the 1st US President to grace the occasion as Chief Guest,” the PM tweeted. This visit presents great opportunity to both countries to bolster their bilateral relations.
This visit gives an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two countries
This visit will also be the first time that a US President visits India twice during his term. Confirming the visit, National Security Advisor Susa Rice said, “First time a US President is to attend Republic Day (celebrations), which commemorates the adoption of India’s constitution. We are committed to strengthening and expanding the US India strategic partnership.”
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Confirming the visit, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes said that the President is honored to be going to India in January as the Chief Guest for India Republic Day. It is a sign of our close ties and friendship. Ben is a close confidante of President Obama.
According to Teresita Schaffer, a retired diplomat, this is a huge deal for both countries as it gives an opportunity to better what many perceive as a complicated relationship. In her blog, Schaffer wrote, “This is a huge deal. Obama will be part of what may be the most theatrical parade in the world. The Chief Guest slot is by far the most prestigious invitation India can extend to a foreign leader.’’
Strong message to the world as US forces leave Afghanistan
Last year, it was Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who graced the Republic Day parade in India. According to Michael Kugelman, who is an expert on South Asia matters, the fact that President Obama has accepted the invitation to attend Republic Day Parade in January sends a strong message to the region as US forces prepares to leave Afghanistan.
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Modi was in White House in September this year and now the US President is reciprocating by agreeing to attend Republic Day celebrations. Wall Street Journal feels that these gestures are a symbol of improving Indo-US ties.
Modi and Obama gelling well with each other
Modi and Obama have met each other several times in the space of a few months. While Modi was in US to attend the General Assembly session of the UN in September, the two leaders met again in Myanmar during the ASEAN summit. They were in each other’s company a few days later during the G-20 summit in Brisbane where Obama described Modi as a Man of Action. It looks like the chemistry between the two world leaders is working as the bonhomie continues.
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About Sanjay Tandon
Sanjay Tandon is a graduate engineer from IIT Varanasi. He has been writing as a freelancer for many years. He loves to write on various niches. He is passionate about politics and economy and spends his free time watching news channels. He is also an expert on relationships.
