South Africa tour of India 2019
Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests: EU’s Top Leadership to Grace Kartavya Path
India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, are set to acquire major diplomatic significance with the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa as chief guests. The historic invitation marks the first time that the European Union’s top political leadership will jointly attend India’s Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
This unprecedented move signals a clear shift in India’s foreign policy approach toward Europe, recognising the EU as a unified strategic partner rather than a collection of individual nations. Over the decades, India has hosted several global leaders for Republic Day, but never before has the entire leadership of the EU been represented together, underlining the growing importance of India–EU relations.
The timing of the invitation is particularly significant, as trade negotiations between India and the EU are gaining momentum. Speaking recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ursula von der Leyen described the proposed India–EU trade agreement as “the mother of all deals,” hinting at the possibility of a landmark Free Trade Agreement. The presence of both EU leaders at Republic Day is expected to lend fresh political impetus to these discussions.
Ursula von der Leyen, as President of the European Commission, heads the EU’s executive branch and plays a key role in shaping policy, trade, and international engagement. António Costa, President of the European Council, represents the collective interests of EU member states and chairs major EU summits, symbolising political unity within the bloc.
Since 1950, India’s choice of Republic Day chief guests has reflected its global priorities—from Non-Aligned Movement leaders during the Cold War to strategic partners in recent years. The 2026 invitation highlights deepening cooperation between India and Europe across trade, technology, climate action, defence, and supply chains.
Comments