Amidst the news of US President miffed with India due to the S-400 missile deal with Russia and oil imports from Iran and later rejecting to attend India’s Republic day parade, the White House said on Monday that US President Donald Trump would be honoured but would not be able to participate due to “Scheduling Constraints”.
“President Trump was honoured by Prime Minister Modi’s invitation for him to be Chief Guest of India’s Republic Day on January 26, 2019 but is unable to participate due to scheduling constraints,” a White House spokesperson told PTI.
“The President enjoys a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi developed through two meetings and several phone calls and remains committed to deepening the US-India strategic partnership,” the spokesperson said.
“The President very much looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Modi again at the earliest opportunity,” the White House spokesperson added.
President Trump reportedly has the annual State of the Union (SOTU) address to both Houses of the US Congress which coincides around India’s Republic Day.
PM Modi had invited Prez Trump to India on his visit to the US in June last year.
They are scheduled to meet in the G-20 Summit in Argentina on November 30 and December 1.
India invites world leaders every year for Republic Day celebrations.
Former US President Barack Obama attended the celebrations in 2015 as a chief guest.