New Delhi: India has extended an invitation to United States President Donald Trump to be the special guest on the Republic Day next year.
However, US Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said no decision has been taken on the matter yet.
In a press briefing, Sanders also confirmed that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Secretary of Defense James Mattis would be visiting India next month, to start a “dialogue, process and a potential discussion for a presidential visit later in the year.”
Invitation(US Pres as chief guest for India's Republic Day) has been extended,but I don't believe if decision has been made. Secy Mattis and Secy Pompeo will be in India next month and will begin discussion for a potential visit next year: Sarah Sanders,White House Press Secy pic.twitter.com/Zivc5L9SIg
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2018
Every year, the Indian government invites a ‘head of a country’ to be the special guest on the Republic Day, which is marked by a parade showcasing the military power and cultural diversity of the country.
Leaders from the 10 ASEAN nations including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei were chief guests at this year’s parade.
Trump predecessor Barack Obama has been the chief guest in 2015 Republic day parade which was Modi’s first R-day parade as being the PM of India.
