Pummy Pandita
January 26 holds a special place in Bhartiya civilisation. It marks the Purna Swaraj Declaration of 1930, when the people of India vowed for complete independence, and, 20 years later, on January 26, 1950, adopted the Indian Constitution, ushering in the essence of a republic.
The Constitution is not just a collection of laws, rather it is an evolving document that is inclusive, flexible, and dynamic. It embodies learnings from Bharat’s ancient sacred/ scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, Buddhist and Jain teachings, the spirit of Bharat’s ancient concept, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), concept of dharma (Duty and Righteousness), welfare state, equality and non-discrimination, moral and ethical governance, non-violence (ahimsa) and peace, liberty, equality and fraternity, environmental protection etc.
Republic Day reminds us to uphold these principles as Bharat advances in the 21st century. It serves as a reminder to all citizens of their responsibility to help build a powerful, independent, and peaceful Bharat, advancing the idea of a timeless and transformative civilisation.
Republic Day signifies the reaffirmation of Bharat’s enduring ideals of justice, equality, liberty, and brotherhood in addition to the development of a legal framework. Bharat’s capacity to reconcile its spiritual ethos with democratic values is demonstrated by the Constitution, which was drafted under the visionary leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It provides a beacon of light for civilisation’s progress while tying together the oneness of a long-surviving civilisation.
To represent India’s focus on developing cordial relations with countries around the world, the tradition of inviting a foreign dignitary as the Chief Guest to the Republic Day celebrations was instituted. This practice has both diplomatic and cultural significance, expressing India’s pluralistic ethos and soft power while showcasing its goals to fortify bilateral ties, communicate its dedication to regional and global peace, cooperation, and goodwill, and engage with the international community. The colourful procession, which highlights India’s cultural legacy, military force, and technical prowess, provides visiting dignitaries with an insight into the country’s variety and might.
Indonesia, a fellow Asian country fighting for its independence, was among the first nations to acknowledge India’s independence. Given the common history and culture, President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first Chief Guest on Republic Day in 1950, as this invitation also represented regional solidarity. In the years that followed, dignitaries from different nations were carefully selected in accordance with India’s foreign policy objectives. Initially, the emphasis was on inviting leaders from nearby Asian nations; as India’s international involvement increased, the focus shifted to Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Some of the most notable dignatories who have graced India’s Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests:
| 1950s and 1960s: Laying the Foundation | |||
| 1950 | President Sukarno | Indonesia | |
| 1955 | Government General Malik Ghulam Muhammad | Pakistan | |
| 1961 | Queen Elizabeth II | United Kingdom | |
| 1968 | Prime Minister Alexei Kosygin | Soviet Union | |
| 1970s and 1980s: Non-Aligned and Strategic Partnerships | |||
| 1974 | President Josip Broz Tito | Yugoslavia | |
| 1976 | Prime Minister Jacques Chirac | France | |
| 1980 | President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing | France | |
| 1988 | President Junius Jayewardene | Sri Lanka | |
| 1990s: Post-Cold War Adjustments | |||
| 1992 | President Mário Soares | Portugal | |
| 1993 | Prime Minister John Major | United Kingdom | |
| 1995 | President Nelson Mandela | South Africa | |
| 2000s: Expanding Horizons | |||
| 2003 | President Mohammed Khatami | Iran | |
| 2005 | King Jigme Singye Wangchuck | Bhutan | |
| 2007 | President Vladimir Putin | Russia | |
| 2010s: Global and Multilateral Focus | |||
| 2015 | President Barack Obama – The first sitting U.S. President to attend. | USA | |
| 2018 | Leaders of ASEAN nations | A unique instance of inviting multiple leaders to commemorate 25 years of India-ASEAN ties. | |
| 2019 | President Cyril Ramaphosa | South Africa – Honoring Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary | |
| 2020s: Strengthening New Partnerships | |||
| 2021: | No Chief Guest – A rare break in the tradition due to COVID-19 pandemic | ||
| 2023 | President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi | Egypt | |
The custom of having prominent foreign leaders as principal guests highlights Bharat’s expanding alliances and influence, reinforcing its position as a responsible global force. H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, will be a distinguished guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations. This decision strikes a deep chord with the economic, strategic, and civilisational bonds that unite the two biggest democratic and archipelagic countries in the world. The invitation highlights the strong alliance between India and Indonesia, which is based on shared values, history, and current geopolitical conditions. India and Indonesia established cordial ties because of their shared democratic heritage, pluralist culture, fight against colonial powers, and progressive leadership. At India’s first Republic Day in 1950, President Sukarno of Indonesia was the Guest of Honour.
An Indonesian marching contingent will grace the ceremonial route during India’s Republic Day Parade, marking a historic event and a testament to the longstanding friendship between the two biggest maritime democracies in the world. This act highlights the long-standing connections between India and Indonesia, which are based on a common cultural heritage, a history of resistance to colonialism, and a shared goal for an open and free Indo-Pacific. Their involvement is a testament to the strong interpersonal ties and expanding strategic alliance that continue to influence peace and development in the region. As these two countries move forward together, their relationship shines brightly on the international scene as a symbol of respect and cooperation.
Indonesia is willing to uphold the advice of its founding father, Soekarno: “Never ever forget history.” This is demonstrated by the preservation of oral, textual, and visual Indic tradition through literary works like the Kakawin Ramayana, the renowned architectural legacy like the Prambanan Temple, and the ongoing use of Sanskrit as the motto of governmental agencies.
India and Indonesia’s relationship goes beyond the confines of contemporary statecraft. It is a connection created over centuries of intellectual dissemination, marine trade, and cultural interchange. The Indic stamp is irreversible, spanning from the era of the Majapahit and Srivijaya empires to the impact of Buddhism and Hinduism that still shapes Indonesian culture today. Java and Bali celebrate the Ramayana and Mahabharata just as much as Ayodhya and Kurukshetra do, creating a cultural link between the two countries. This relationship was further strengthened by the historic spice trade routes, which promoted commerce and cultural exchanges between Indian merchants and mariners.
India-Indonesia relations have been influenced by shared historical, cultural, and geopolitical connections. However, both nations have grappled with challenges posed by communist and Islamist ideologies, which have, at times, prioritized power consolidation over democratic ideals, equality, or liberty. The legacy of Sukarno’s Cold War support for communist ideas and the subsequent emergence of Suharto’s anti-communist yet dictatorial dictatorship in Indonesia exposed a lack of long-term dedication to democratic ideals. Like this, there have been times when the principles of equality and liberty have collided with the increasing power of Islamist organisations in Indonesia, prompting worries about the decline of pluralistic values. India has frequently balanced its alliances with Indonesia while promoting democratic government and regional stability, all the while upholding its democratic framework. Notwithstanding these obstacles, both countries endeavour to protect their democratic systems and cooperate in the fight against extreme ideologies, establishing a cooperation founded on respect for one another and common strategic objectives.
India and Indonesia are thriving democracies and prime examples of pluralistic civilisations where various cultures, faiths, and ethnic groups coexist. They stand out as stabilising influences in Asia because of their dedication to secularism and democratic governance, which highlights a common set of values.
India and Indonesia, two countries in the Indo-Pacific region, are essential to maintaining peace and stability in the area. Their strategic alliance tackles issues like climate change, counterterrorism, and marine security. As the protectors of vital sea routes, India oversees the Indian Ocean and Indonesia the Malacca Strait, both countries share responsibilities for maintaining the rules-based international order.
The fact that the president of Indonesia will be the Chief Guest on Republic Day is a clear indication of India’s Act East Policy, which places a high priority on fortifying relations with ASEAN countries. It demonstrates India’s desire to increase its influence in Southeast Asia, where Indonesia plays a crucial role as the region’s largest economy and ASEAN leader.
Shared cultural norms, colonial past and post-independence aspirations for political sovereignty, and autonomous foreign policy have significantly impacted bilateral relations. India and Indonesia’s economic relations have improved dramatically in the last several years. In 2023–24, bilateral commerce reached a record US$29.4 billion[1], fueled by complementary capabilities in industries viz., IT services, coal, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and palm oil. While Indonesia imports Indian cars, textiles, and medications, India is a major market for Indonesian coal and palm oil. In FY 2024, India’s export to Indonesia stood at US$5.99 billion and imports at US$ 23.41 billion
Infrastructure development, digital technology, and renewable energy are some of the areas that both countries are looking at to broaden and strengthen their economic cooperation. Opportunities for cooperation that complement India’s overarching economic plan are also provided by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), of which Indonesia is a major member. By 2025, India-Indonesia have set a target of US$50 billion in trade.
India-Indonesia relations are further enhanced by the diaspora and cultural contacts. Cross-border celebrations of festivals, art, and food promote understanding and admiration for one another. The dedication to deepening these ties is demonstrated by recent efforts including academic partnerships and tourism promotion.
The Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s attendance at India’s 76th Republic Day highlights the extent and deepness of a historical alliance focused on a common future. India and Indonesia’s cooperation is a tribute to the lasting force of civilisational linkages, shared ideals, and mutual respect as they manage the challenges of the twenty-first century.
This Republic Day not only honours India’s democratic transition but also represents a critical turning point in the two maritime neighbours’ growing bilateral ties. Several significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering topics like energy transformation, trade and investment, defence cooperation, and cultural exchanges are anticipated to be inked. In addition to strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, these accords will highlight mutual dedication to sustainable development, Indo-Pacific collaboration, and regional stability. This visit signifies a cooperative approach to tackling global issues, promoting mutual prosperity, and reinforcing the historical and cultural bonds that unite the two countries, both of which have significant positions in ASEAN and the G20.
As January 26 marks the accomplishment of Swaraj and the conclusion of centuries of struggle for self-determination, it is a day of glorious civilisational significance for India. On this day in 1950, India’s Constitution was adopted, embodying the nation’s fundamental principles of democracy, fairness for all, and unity in diversity. In addition to commemorating the timeless values of equality, liberty, and brotherhood that have shaped India’s history, Republic Day serves as a reminder of India’s obligation to uphold these values and ensure that the nation is led in harmony by both its traditional wisdom and its modern objectives.
(Author is head of operations at Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies, a non-partisan think tank based in New Delhi)
About The Author
