New Delhi, India
January 26, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with the nine (9) other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heads of State and Government (HOS/G), graced the 69th Republic Day of India.

As Chief Guests, the ASEAN heads watched the grand parade that started from the iconic India Gate in New Delhi, which was built in commemoration of the 82,000 Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

The parade showcased marching contingents, various montages and performances that demonstrated the different cultures of India.

It is India’s tradition to invite and host a foreign country leader as the Chief Guest of its Republic Day celebrations, but it is only this year that all the 10 ASEAN heads were invited for the momentous event. The ASEAN flags were also flown for the first time during the parade.

The Republic Day is celebrated to mark the day when India formally adopted its Constitution on November 26, 1949 and became an independent Republic on January 26, 1950.

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