Here's who India Invited as Chief Guests for R-Day Over the Decade

GUWAHATI: Here’s a list of past chief guests invited by India for the Republic Day programme in Delhi since 2010:

This year prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the invitation to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to be the chief guest for India’s 71st Republic Day function which was accepted by the latter. He will be the third Brazilian President to attend the R-Day celebrations in India.   

As per reports, Bolsonaro will be accompanied by seven ministers, the chairman of Brazil-India Friendship Group in Brazilian Parliament, as well as senior officials and a large business delegation.

“India and Brazil share a close and multifaceted relationship. Our bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries. Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations. The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," a statement from the Indian foreign ministry said.  

However, inviting Bolsonaro has raised a lot of eyebrows from activists in India as the Brazilian President has been infamous for his sexist, homophobic and misogynistic statements.

One of his most appalling statements was when he was a Congressman in 2014, he had told opposition's Maria do Rosario, “I wouldn't rape you because you're not worthy of it. Stay here and listen.”