South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has accepted India's invitation to be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations next year, The Indian Express reported on Thursday, 15 November, citing sources.
There is no official confirmation from the government so far.
India had first extended the Republic Day invitation to US President Donald Trump, who turned it down last month citing pressing official engagements. Trump's State of the Union (SOTU) address is reportedly scheduled around the time India will celebrate its Republic Day on 26 January.
World leaders, including Former US President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin and late South African President Nelson Mandela, have previously attended the R-Day celebrations. Last year, India marked its 69th Republic Day in the presence of 10 heads of state from the ASEAN countries (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
WHO IS CYRIL RAMAPHOSA?
An anti-apatheid activist and a Mahatma Gandhi follower, Ramaphosa became the fifth president of South Africa after the resignation of Jacob Zuma in December 2017.
In April, Ramaphosa became the first sitting president to lead the annual Gandhi Walk in an Indian township of Johannesburg to promote community awareness and fitness among the citizens. Nearly 5,000 people participated in the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Ramaphosa on the sidelines of BRICS summit in June this year. According to sources, Ramaphosa is a key player in maintaining harmony among the member countries, The Indian Express report said. Apart from South Africa, the grouping includes Brazil, Russia, India and China.
(With inputs from The Indian Express)
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