New Delhi: The White House said that United States President Donald Trump is unable to attend the Republic Day parade on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation because of “scheduling constraints” but stressed the “strong personal rapport” shared by both the leaders.

The White House did not elaborate on the constraints but the Republic Day parade on January 26 is around the time when US presidents present their annual report to Congress, the State of the Union address, which is a statement of achievements of the last year and plans for the next.

Barack Obama, who became the first US president to attend the Republic Day parade as the chief guest in 2015, had moved his address up to January 20 from the usual end-of-month slot he favoured.

“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 said in a statement on Monday.

The spokesperson also pointed to the personal rapport shared by Trump and Modi. “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 PM Modi again at the earliest opportunity.”

In New Delhi, officials said a shortlist of heads of state and government was being considered by the government to choose a chief guest for the parade.