Post-PM Boris Johnson Cancels Visit, India's 3 Probable Ways to Celebrate R-Day

GUWAHATI: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on January 5 cancelled his planned visit to India on the occasion of R-Day. As a result, he would also not be the chief guest at the 72nd Republic Day celebrations in the national capital on January 26.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, January 5, the UK Foreign Office said the decision to cancel the visit was taken in view of the pandemic which has escalated in the United Kingdom because of the new variant of the coronavirus the minister regretted his inability to attend in view of the changed COVID-19 context prevailing in the UK, as told by Johnson to PM Modi over a telephonic conversation.  With the coronavirus pandemic raging across the world, people have no choice but to look for alternate ways to keep the festive spirit alive and the same could be done to celebrate the 72nd R-Day despite all odds. Listed below are a few suggested ways in which the R-Day parade celebrations can continue this year.

1.R-Day parade without a chief guest

An invitation to be Republic Day chief guest is symbolic from the Indian government's perspective. The Republic Day celebrations are seen as a high point in India's diplomatic calendar. Chief guests for the event are chosen with the intent of signalling India's specialities with the country or New Delhi's intentions to improve relations with it.  Similarly, on three occasions in the past- 1952, 1953, 1966, the R-Day parade was held without a foreign dignitary or head of state as the chief guest. It's quite a possibility that R-day parade might be held without the presence of a foreign dignitary this year too.

2. An alternative foreign dignitary as chief guest

Choosing the UK was seen through the lens of ties with the post-Brexit UK on multiple fronts- economic, people-to-people, political and strategic level. With Johnson pulling out, New Delhi seems to have been placed in a tight spot, as it would have to look for another chief guest. Speculation is rife that India would invite the head of government of a neighbouring country. In 2013, Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was reportedly invited as the guest of honour after then Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said Al Said cited ill health as his reason for declining New Delhi's invite. In 2019, India invited South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as the guest of honour after scheduling issues resulted in US President Donald Trump indicating his inability to visit India.

3. Low-key R-Day celebration

After cancellation of Johnson's visit and the threats issued by the protesting farmers against the farm laws, the Modi government would be under pressure while organizing R-Day parade this year. The R-Day celebrations this year would be a curtailed one owing to the current covid-19 situation all across the world primarily because of the health protocols wherein the administration would be solely responsible for carrying out the parade following the norms of covid. The second reason is the farmers protesting against the new agri laws have threatened to enter the national capital and organize a tractor parade if their demands are not fulfilled. Considering these factors, the government may cut down public participation on R-Day.

Also Read: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancels India visit for Republic Day

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