[Crush T Velour]

The article doesn't explain to my satisfaction what is the controversy about Republic Day?

[rlmorel]

I understand it to mean if Bush is a guest, then we have decided as a nation to throw out lot in with the Indians rather than the Pakistanis.

Him attending would basically be a nearly formal announcement of that.

Anyone who knows, is that correct?

[Notforprophet]

I think it's the military parade. Think Moscow on Lenin's birthday, with troops and missile launchers rolling by. One of the missiles on display would be the nuclear variety.

It's not really Bush's style.

NFP

[sukhoi-30mki]

Well from an Indian Standpoint,having the leader of the Great Satan as your guest on the biggest celebration of India's identity doesn't send the right signals(according to the Commies).For a US president,watching ballistic missiles on mobile launchers & scores of army regiments & tanks march by & that too in a country which didn't sign the NPT may not be politically safe.

Apart from all these subjective factors,New Delhi resembles a fortress on January 26(the whole week around actually)-add GWB as the chief guest,you will need to draft in additional hordes of police & paramilitary forces from other Indian states & probably certain military units as well-Coordinating all that with the US Secret Service ain't going to be cakewalk.

[Saberwielder]

Imagine Bush sitting and wathcing India parade its nuclear capable missiles and the message it sends to others. I don't think Bush will take up that offer. Besides, I'm not sure the Secret Service is going to be keen on the POTUS sitting in open air as tanks and military vehicles pass by not too far away. I know India has a professional military but there is still a chance that some looney might inflitrate the parade and do something.

Not a good idea IMHO.