In PICTURES: The Most Famous Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day Celebrations Through the Years

Every year since 1950, India has been hosting a head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day celebrations. The Chief Guest is chosen on the basis of strategic, economic and political interests.

Here are other famous personalities who have added value to the parade over the years:

1. President Sukarno, Indonesia – 1950

Source: (L) Twitter, (R) Twitter

President Sukarno was the first President of Indonesia and also the chief guest of India’s first Republic Day celebration in 1950. He witnessed Dr Rajendra Prasad being sworn in as the first President of Republic India.

2. King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah, Nepal – 1951

Source: Twitter

3. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Bhutan – 1954

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Leaders from Bhutan have been invited for Republic Day celebrations four times now. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck was the first.

4. Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad, Pakistan – 1955

Source: Facebook

Between 1950 and 1954, Republic Day celebrations were organised at different venues like Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, Red Fort and Ramlila Grounds. It was in 1955 that Rajpath became the permanent venue for the parade, and Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was invited as the chief guest that year.

5. Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom – 1961

Source: Twitter

6. Prime Minister Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Mauritius – 1972

Source: Twitter

7. Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, Australia – 1979

Source: Twitter

8. President Nelson Mandela, South Africa – 1995

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9. President Vladimir Putin, Russia – 2007

Source: PIB

10. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan – 2014

Source: Twitter

11. President Barack Obama, United States – 2015

Source: Twitter

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