Republic Day 2026: EU Leaders Ursula von der Leyen & António Costa to Attend Parade
Republic Day 2026 Chief Guest List
India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, will carry historic diplomatic weight. For the first time ever, the European Union’s top leadership — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa — will attend the parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi as chief guests.
A First in Republic Day History
India has hosted world leaders as Republic Day chief guests since 1950, but this year marks a unique milestone:
- The EU’s top political leadership is invited together, symbolizing India’s recognition of the EU as a single strategic partner.
- The move reflects New Delhi’s growing engagement with Brussels at a time when India–EU trade talks are gaining momentum.
- It also signals a shift from inviting individual heads of state to acknowledging collective blocs.
Why This Invitation Matters for India–EU Relations
The presence of von der Leyen and Costa is seen as a strong diplomatic signal ahead of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen described the upcoming pact as “the mother of all deals”, hinting at a potentially historic agreement.
The timing of the invitation suggests:
- Strengthening economic and strategic ties.
- Renewed momentum in India–EU trade talks.
- Growing cooperation in technology, climate, defence, and supply chains.
- Europe’s interest in India as a long‑term strategic partner.
Who Are the EU Leaders Attending Republic Day 2026?
Ursula von der Leyen
- President of the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm.
- Oversees EU policy, trade negotiations, and represents the bloc globally.
- Known for her strong stance on climate action, digital transformation, and global trade.
António Costa
- President of the European Council, representing collective interests of EU member states.
- Chairs EU summits and plays a key role in shaping EU foreign policy.
- His presence highlights political unity within the bloc.
Republic Day Chief Guests: A Diplomatic Tradition
Since 1950, India has invited foreign leaders as chief guests, reflecting its foreign policy priorities.
Notable past guests include:
- 2015: Barack Obama (US President).
- 2018: ASEAN leaders collectively.
- 2023: Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi (Egypt).
- 2024: Emmanuel Macron (France).
- 2025: Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia).
This year’s EU invitation mirrors India’s evolving global position and its pivot toward strategic partnerships with blocs.
Republic Day Chief Guest Timeline (Recent Years)
- 2022: No chief guest.
- 2023: President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi (Egypt).
- 2024: President Emmanuel Macron (France).
- 2025: President Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia).
- 2026: Ursula von der Leyen & António Costa (European Union).
Why the EU Matters for India
- Trade: EU is India’s third‑largest trading partner.
- Investment: EU companies are major investors in India’s tech, manufacturing, and green energy sectors.
- Climate Cooperation: Joint initiatives on renewable energy and sustainability.
- Defence & Security: Collaboration on maritime security and supply chain resilience.
Trending Queries Around Republic Day 2026
- Who are the chief guests for Republic Day 2026?
- Why did India invite EU leaders this year?
- What is the India–EU Free Trade Agreement?
- Has the EU ever been invited before?
- Which countries were chief guests in past Republic Days?
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🔗 External Links
- Republic Day – Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org in Bing)
- European Union – Official Site
- Ursula von der Leyen – Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org in Bing)
- António Costa – Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org in Bing)
- Reddit Discussions on Republic Day Guests (reddit.com)
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