In a surprising turn of events, US President Joe Biden is not expected to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations in January, according to sources familiar with the matter. This revelation comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended an invitation to Biden to be the Chief Guest for the January 26 festivities. Additionally, the anticipated Quad summit, initially scheduled for January, is also facing postponement as officials seek revised dates to accommodate all Quad partners.
Why Joe Biden Is Not Travelling India?
The news of President Biden’s likely absence from India’s Republic Day celebration has raised eyebrows, especially considering Prime Minister Modi’s invitation earlier this year. The absence of an official comment from India regarding the invitation adds an air of uncertainty to the situation. It was US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, who disclosed in September that Biden had been invited as the Chief Guest for the January 26th celebrations.
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The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Summit, which was initially planned for January, is now on the verge of being rescheduled. Sources indicate that the Quad Summit in India is proposed to take place later in 2024, with officials actively exploring alternative dates. The need for revised scheduling arises from the current dates not aligning with the availability of all Quad partners.
Both the United States and India are facing upcoming elections in the coming year. India is set to hold Lok Sabha elections between April and May 2024, while the US Presidential election is slated for early November 2024. The potential Quad summit in late 2024 could see new leaders in attendance, adding an element of unpredictability to the diplomatic landscape.
Reports in November hinted that a Quad Summit held after March would be inconvenient for both India and the United States. Earlier communications from New Delhi suggested a preference for hosting the Quad leaders in the latter part of January. However, with the current developments, it appears that logistical and scheduling challenges have led to the proposed shift in timing.
The Impact on Bilateral Relations
The decision of President Joe Biden not to attend India’s Republic Day celebration may have broader implications for bilateral relations between the two countries. The absence of the US President from such a significant diplomatic event could be interpreted in various ways, potentially influencing the tone and trajectory of future engagements.
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As the diplomatic calendar undergoes unexpected changes, the decision regarding President Joe Biden’s attendance at India’s Republic Day celebration and the rescheduling of the Quad Summit will undoubtedly shape the dynamics between the two nations. The evolving situation raises questions about the coordination of global events and the adaptability required to navigate the complexities of international relations.
