India Celebrates 77th Republic Day: EU Leaders Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa Attend as Chief Guest
India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday with grand ceremonial celebrations at Kartavya Path, highlighting the nation’s democratic values, military strength, cultural diversity, and developmental progress. The annual parade, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, witnessed wide public participation and strong international presence.
President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag and led the proceedings, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders attended the event. The celebrations were held under the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, marking 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
Adding diplomatic significance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luís Santos da Costa were the chief guests at this year’s parade.
EU Leaders Grace Republic Day Celebrations
Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa are on a three-day official visit to India from January 25 to 27, following an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. Their presence underlined the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union.
The parade also featured a special European Union contingent, which included flag bearers carrying the EU flag and the flags of its naval forces, reflecting closer defence and security cooperation.
Officials described the visit as a major step in strengthening political, economic, and security ties between India and Europe.
About Ursula von der Leyen
Born in 1958, Ursula von der Leyen is a trained medical doctor who has spent over two decades in public service. Between 2005 and 2019, she held several key ministerial positions in Germany, including family affairs, labour, and defence.
She became President of the European Commission in 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in 2024. In her current role, she is focused on boosting Europe’s competitiveness, strengthening democratic institutions, and enhancing defence capabilities.
Speaking on India-EU relations, von der Leyen has emphasised strategic cooperation and openness. She recently said that both sides are working towards a historic free trade agreement that could create one of the world’s largest integrated markets.
About Antonio Luís Santos da Costa
Antonio Costa, born in Lisbon in 1961, is a senior Portuguese leader with Indian and Mozambican heritage. He holds a law degree from the University of Lisbon and began his political career with the Portuguese Socialist Party.
Over the years, he has served in multiple roles, including justice minister, interior minister, mayor of Lisbon, and member of the European Parliament. From 2015 to 2024, he served as Prime Minister of Portugal, overseeing economic stability and major investments in renewable energy.
He took charge as President of the European Council in December 2024.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
During the visit, India and the European Union are expected to announce a major security and defence partnership. Talks are also progressing on a long-pending free trade agreement, which officials say is nearing completion.
The proposed defence cooperation pact is likely to be signed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. If finalised, it will become only the third such agreement the EU has signed in Asia, after Japan and South Korea.
Experts believe the partnership reflects shared concerns over regional stability, global supply chains, and economic security.
Global Buddhist Summit Delegates Honoured
This year’s Republic Day parade also featured delegates from the Global Buddhist Summit held in New Delhi on January 24 and 25. Over 800 participants from 40 countries attended the summit, including monks, scholars, diplomats, and spiritual leaders.
Organised by the International Buddhist Confederation in collaboration with the Culture Ministry, the summit focused on peace, coexistence, and environmental responsibility.
Several monks and nuns were honoured as special guests during the celebrations, highlighting India’s role as the birthplace of Buddhism and a promoter of global harmony.
Our Thoughts
The presence of top European leaders at India’s 77th Republic Day reflects the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Brussels. At a time of shifting global dynamics, closer cooperation on trade, security, and diplomacy carries long-term significance.
By combining strong cultural symbolism with international engagement, this year’s celebrations reinforced India’s position as a confident, globally connected democracy.
Input with agency