The government invites a head of state as a chief guest every year on the occasion of India’s Republic day on January 26.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to attend the celebrations as the Chief Guest on January 26, 2019. The discussion happened on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, according to reports.

Former French President Francois Hollande and former US President Barack Obama who were then in power, had graced the Republic day events in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

US President Donald Trump was originally invited to be the Chief Guest in 2019, but he turned down the offer citing “schedule constraints.” This was confirmed by the White House in October.