India wants Mr. trump to be guest of honor on this Republic day. India is trying to bring Trump so that more of the things can be sort an both the countries can make some decision. While growing discomfort over the pending response from White House for the Republic Day invite to US President Trump is visible. While the Ministry of External Affairs has refused to officially divulge any details of the invitation, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders did confirm it earlier this month by saying, “I know the invitation has been extended. I don’t believe a final decision has been made.”
In fact, despite the clarity from the US on the specificity of the invite, sources in India had a couple of weeks back, claimed that it was “not date specific”. This was also a giveaway that India was getting ready with a Plan B in case President Trump is not able to make it for January 26 next year.
From sources that for the moment there are two options before India. Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth will be travelling to Varanasi for the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas from January 21 to 23. Post which he is also likely to travel with other guests to Allahabad for the Ardh Kumbh. He is expected to be in Delhi on January 25 and could be a good choice to be the chief guest at the parade.
Jugnauth is of Indian origin tracing his roots back to Bihar. He is participating in PBD with next year’s title being “Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India.”
