Significance of India’s Republic Day invitation

TOMORROW marks the anniversary of the passing of India’s postindependence constitution on November 26, 1949, selectively adopted on January 26, 1950.

This date in January was selected by the Congress to coincide with the propagation of the Purna Swaraj Declaration – the Declaration of Indian Independence.

The constitution waged a relentless freedom struggle that forced Britain to quit India after 300 years of colonial rule. During that period, the richest country in the world was impoverished while the British economy boomed.

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s invitation as chief guest comes after US President Donald Trump had to decline.

“President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi’s invitation for him to be the chief guest of India’s Republic Day on January 26, 2019, but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints,” a White House spokesperson said.

In an attempt to unpack Narendra Modi’s motivation, it is crucial to remember he and Ramaphosa met for the first time in Joburg during the BRICS summit in June, to discuss bilateral trade and investment, IT and defence.

Apart from South Africa and India, the grouping includes Brazil, Russia and China. South Africa is a key player in the grouping as a leader from the African continent.

The decision to invite amaphosa also correlates with the 150th birth anniversary of a leading figure in the Indian independence movement, Mohandas Gandhi, who cut his political teeth in South Africa, where he spent 21 years. The Indian government extended its invitation to Ramaphosa to accommodate for the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, a celebratory day that marks Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa. Spokesperson for the presidency Khusela Diko confirmed Ramaphosa received the invitation from Modi.

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