Boris Johnson likely to be R-Day chief guest

December 02, 2020 17:35

Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom is likely to be the chief guest for the 2021 Republic Day celebrations.

With the Narendra Modi government keen to have him grace the annual event which is used to showcase those who matter for India, diplomatic channels are busy finalising the tentative schedule once an acceptance is indicated.

The coronavirus pandemic has not spared even the R-Day celebrations, with the military parade reduced by 50 per cent. The colourful pageant of state tableaux too has been reduced to five, according to sources in the defence ministry which is the nodal agency for the Republic Day celebrations. There will also be no flypast by the Indian Air Force.

There may, however, be one consolation: a model of the recently-acquired French Rafale fighter jet, which it is hoped would be a key attraction.

-- R Rajagopalan in New Delhi

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