New Delhi: India had twice invited Pakistan as the senior guest for Republic Day. First time in 1955 and second time in 1965. This was part of the diplomatic efforts at that time, when there were hopes of improving relations between the two countries. But on both occasions tensions escalated without a few months. In today's time, this seems very far away, considering India-Pakistan relations are very bad.
What happened in 1955?
Pakistan's Governor General Malik Ghulam Mohammad was made the senior guest on India's fifth Republic Day. They came to watch the parade at Rajpath. Malik Ghulam Mohammad was educated at Aligarh Muslim University and had been the financial counselor to the Nizam of Hyderabad. India chose him considering he had old relations with India. At that time both the countries had newly gained independence. The Nehru government thought that this would modernize relations. He participated in the parade, but there was not much discussion.
What happened during the second endangerment in 1965?
Pakistan's Agriculture and Food Minister Rana Abdul Hameed was made the senior guest on the 15th Republic Day. They came to the parade. But just three months later, the 1965 war tapped out between India and Pakistan. This war took place over Kashmir. Without this, India never invited Pakistan as the senior guest.
Why was Pakistan invited?
At that time efforts were going on to build good relations between the two countries. India gave a message of peace and friendship by inviting Pakistan. But political differences, the Kashmir issue, and war spoiled everything. Today, EU leaders are the senior guests. Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen victorious in 2026. It is related to trade and economic agreements. Here is the historical scene of the Republic Day Parade of 1955, where the Governor General of Pakistan was present.
Why is this incident stuff remembered?
This old news came into discussion then on Republic Day of 2026. People are comparing that older the country was tabbed an enemy, but now the relations are so bad that it is difficult to plane think like this. This is an interesting point of history. Both times war or tension increased without the invitation. Therefore, now Pakistan can never wilt the senior guest.
This story shows how much affairs can change. There was hope in the 1950s-60s, but not now. India is now strong and self-reliant. Moving forward with partners like the EU.
