Republic Day: From Barack Obama To EU Leaders, A Look At Chief Guests List Since 2015

New Delhi: India will mark its 77th Republic Day on January 26, with parades at Kartavya Path, the face of a foreign leader, whom the country invites as the chief guest, also attracts the attention of the world. Since 2015, Republic Day has seen a wide range of high-profile international leaders grace the occasion, reflecting India's foreign relations and diplomatic priorities.  

Who will be the chief guest on the 77th Republic Day?

For the 2026 Republic Day celebrations, two senior European Union leaders will take centre stage as chief guests, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. They are on a state visit to India from January 25 to 27, including the 16th India‑EU Summit on January 27.

This is the first time top European Union leaders have been jointly invited to the parade, highlighting a growing strategic partnership between India and the EU. 

Why does India invite a chief guest?

The tradition of inviting a foreign head dates back to India's first Republic Day in 1950. Each guest reflects India's foreign relations and diplomatic priorities at the time.

Who was the first foreign chief guest of India?

Indonesian President Sukarno was the first chief guest for India's first Republic Day. At that time, the Republic Day parade was held at Irwin Stadium in Delhi, which is currently known as Dada Dhyan Chand Stadium. 

Who were the chief guests since 2015?

Barack Obama became the first US President to be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 2015, which symbolled of deepening India-US relations.

French President Francois Hollande was the chief guest at the 67th Republic Day parade in 2016.

In 2017, the chief guest for the Republic Day parade was the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In 2018, Leaders of ASEAN nations including Hassanal Bolkiah (Brunei), Hun Sen (Cambodia), Joko Widodo (Indonesia), Thongloun Sisoulith (Laos), Najib Razak (Malaysia), Aung San Suu Kyi (Myanmar), Rodrigo Duterte (Philippines), Lee Hsien Loong (Singapore), Prayut Chan-o-cha (Thailand) and Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Vietnam) were the chief guests for the Republic Day parade, which reflected India’s focus on its eastern neighbourhood. 

In 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 70th Republic Day parade.

In 2020, Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil was the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations, highlighting BRICS synergy and defense cooperation before the pandemic paused traditions.

2021 & 2022: No chief guest attended the celebrations due to Covid-19 constraints. 

In 2023, President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi was the chief guest at India's 74th Republic Day parade.

In 2024, Emmanuel Macron, President of France was the chief guest at India's 75th Republic Day celebrations.

In 2025, Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia, attended the Republic Day parade as the chief guest, signalling warm ties with Southeast Asia. 

On what basis is the chief guest selected?

Selecting the chief guest is a long process, preparation for which begins several months in advance. The Ministry of External Affairs handles this responsibility. In this it is seen at what level India's political, economic, defense and diplomatic relations are with the concerned country.

Is it just a matter of respect?

According to former diplomats, selection of the chief guest is not just a matter of respect. Through this, the message is given that with which countries India wants to strengthen its relations and in which direction it plans to move forward.