NEW DELHI: For the second straight year, there would be no foreign heads of state or government as chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations due to the Covid-19 situation, it was learnt on Wednesday.
With cases still rising, this would be the second year in a row when there would be no foreign leader at the celebrations. Although aformal announcement is still to be made, this has been finalised, according to sources.
However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually host the first meeting of the India-Central Asia Summit on January 27. This will be the first engagement of its kind between India and Central Asian countries, where the heads of state would be taking part. The Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are expected to attend this virtual meeting.
Officials say this Summit is a reflection of India’s growing engagement with Central Asian countries, which are part of India’s ‘extended neighbourhood’. PM Modi paid a historic visit to all Central Asian countries in 2015. Subsequently, there have been exchanges at high-levels.
The inception of the India-Central Asia Dialogue at Foreign Ministers’ level, the third meeting of which was held in New Delhi from December 18-20, has provided an impetus to India-Central Asia relations. Participation of the secretaries of National Security Councils of Central Asian countries in the Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan was held in New Delhi on November 10. That meeting outlined a common regional approach on Afghanistan.
During the first India-Central Asia Summit, the Leaders are expected to discuss steps to take forward India-Central Asia relations to newer heights. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of interest, especially the evolving regional security situation.