The article first appeared in The Japan Times on February 13, 2024
This date, known as Republic Day, is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony each year, with the nation’s strength, diversity and achievements put on public display. For the occasion, an invitation is extended to a foreign dignitary as the chief guest. In recent times — as India has ascended the international hierarchy and its global ambitions have expanded commensurately — typical invitees have been the leaders of countries that are important to India.