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What is the news?
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- The Ministry of External Affairs said that President Emmanuel Macron of France will be visiting India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations.
Why is it considered an honour to be the chief guest on India’s Republic Day?
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- Being invited as the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations is a very important honour that a country gives in terms of protocol. The main guest is in the most important position in many special activities that are now a regular part of the event and the preparations leading up to it.
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- They receive a special guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, and later in the evening, the President of India hosts a reception for them. They also place a wreath at Rajghat to show respect to Mahatma Gandhi. They have a special lunch hosted by the Prime Minister, and the Vice-President and External Affairs Minister also call them.
Being invited as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day is a big honour that shows the strong connection and common interests between the two countries.
So how is the Republic Day chief guest chosen?
Let’s understand the process :
Key Players and Timeline:
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- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is very important and starts planning for the event about six months in advance.
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- Prime Minister and President: Give their approval to the final choice made by the MEA.
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- Indian Ambassadors: Discreetly ascertain the availability of potential invitees in their respective countries.
Factors that affect the decision:
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- Politics: Making current relationships stronger, creating new partnerships, and dealing with global issues are very important.
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- Economic interests: It is important to increase trade, investment, and collaboration in technology.
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- Talking about working together with other countries in the military: We can focus on the partnerships we have and show how strong our military is.
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- One important factor in making decisions is considering global problems, such as climate change and terrorism.
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- One more thing that has been important in choosing the Chief Guest is their connection to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which started in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The NAM was a group of countries that wanted to avoid getting involved in the conflicts of the Cold War. They also wanted to help each other as they built their own nations after gaining independence. The first important person at the parade in 1950 was President Sukarno from Indonesia. He was one of the five people who started the NAM.
The Process of Choosing:
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- Shortlisting: The MEA, in consultation with other stakeholders, identifies potential candidates based on the aforementioned objectives and considerations.
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- Prime Minister’s Nod: The MEA presents the shortlist to the Prime Minister for approval.
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- Presidential Acclaim: Once approved by the PM, the list reaches the President’s desk for final authorization.
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- Discreet Confirmation: Through diplomatic channels, the Indian ambassador to the chosen country delicately confirms the guest’s availability and interest.
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- Official Overture: Upon acceptance, formal invitations are extended, and meticulous planning for the visit begins.
QuizTime:
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20Mains Questions:
Critically analyze the factors influencing the selection of India’s Republic Day Chief Guest. How does this choice reflect India’s strategic priorities and foreign policy objectives? Illustrate your answer with relevant examples from the past decade.(250 words)
Model Answer:
- The selection of India’s Republic Day Chief Guest goes beyond mere formality. It is a deliberate strategic move reflecting the nation’s current priorities and foreign policy objectives. Several factors influence this choice, including:
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- Political considerations: Strengthening existing alliances, forging new partnerships, and addressing geopolitical concerns play a pivotal role. For instance, inviting the President of France in 2016 signalled cooperation on climate change and terrorism while highlighting historical ties.
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- Economic interests: Boosting trade, investment, and technological collaboration are crucial factors. Inviting leaders from nations like Japan (2014,2023) or South Africa (2019) aimed to solidify economic partnerships.
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- Strategic Partnership: In 2015, President Barack Obama of the United States was invited as the chief guest, reflecting India’s efforts to strengthen its strategic partnership with the US.
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- Historical connections: Inviting nations with shared historical experiences or belonging to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has been a trend. During 1950s–1970s, a number of Non-Aligned Movement and Eastern Bloc countries were hosted by India
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- In 2017, the UAE’s Crown Prince’s presence marked the centenary of diplomatic relations and ongoing economic ties.
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- By analyzing past Chief Guest selections, we can discern India’s strategic priorities. For instance, the frequent invitations to leaders from Southeast Asia (Singapore and Vietnam in 2018) reflect India’s “Look East” policy and growing engagement in the region.
Therefore, the choice of Chief Guest is not merely symbolic. It serves as a diplomatic tool, showcasing India’s international standing, forging strategic partnerships, and advancing its foreign policy objectives.
Discuss the potential challenges and limitations in selecting India’s Republic Day Chief Guest. How can these limitations be overcome to ensure the chosen guest effectively symbolizes India’s aspirations and interests?(250 words)
Model Answer:
- While selecting the Republic Day Chief Guest offers strategic benefits, there are potential challenges and limitations to consider:
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- Domestic political considerations: Certain choices might face criticism from opposition parties or sections of the public based on ideological differences or past conflicts with the invited nation.
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- International sensitivities: Balancing relationships with multiple countries can be intricate. Inviting a leader from a nation with strained relations with other key partners might create diplomatic complications.
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- Guest availability and scheduling conflicts: Coordinating schedules with busy world leaders can be challenging, limiting options.
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- Limited impact on long-term strategic goals: While the event fosters goodwill and strengthens ties, its long-term impact on strategic objectives might be limited.
To overcome these limitations, India can employ several strategies:
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- Transparency and inclusivity: Consulting with Parliament and key stakeholders can create a sense of ownership and address potential concerns.
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- Prioritizing strategic interests: The choice should primarily be based on long-term strategic goals and national interests, not short-term political gains.
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- Maintaining flexibility and open diplomacy: Being open to inviting leaders from diverse backgrounds and regions can broaden outreach and foster new partnerships.
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- Focusing on the substance of the relationship: Beyond the symbolic gesture, India should actively engage with the chosen guest country to ensure deeper collaboration and tangible outcomes.
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- By adopting these strategies, India can ensure that the selection of the Republic Day Chief Guest effectively symbolizes its aspirations and interests, beyond mere pomp and ceremony.
Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective.
Relevance to the Prelims and Mains syllabus under the following topics:
UPSC Prelims:
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- Current Affairs: Understanding the rationale behind guest selection helps you connect the dots between current global events and India’s foreign policy priorities. This can be tested in GS Paper I (International Relations) of Prelims.
- International Organizations: Knowledge of regional blocs and organizations like NAM or the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) can be relevant if the guest originates from such countries. This falls under GS Paper II (International Relations) as well.
UPSC Mains:
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- Essay Paper: Analyzing the factors influencing the chief guest selection and its strategic implications can be a unique and insightful topic for the Mains Essay Paper. You can connect it to broader themes like India’s global role, diplomacy, and foreign policy challenges.
- General Studies Paper II (International Relations): This paper allows you to delve deeper into the specific relationship with the chosen guest country. Discussing historical ties, ongoing collaborations, and future prospects can showcase your understanding of bilateral relations.
- General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude): The selection process and its challenges can offer material for discussing ethical decision-making in diplomacy and balancing national interests with global considerations.
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