At the parade on Republic Day held at Kartavya Path, the two highest representatives of the European Union (EU) will share the crown as Chief Guests, marking the first and this time joint procession. On a State Visit from January 25 to 27, 2026, the following leaders will arrive at the special invitation of PM Narendra Modi:
- Antonio Luis Santos da Costa – President of the European Council.
- Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission.
It was the second time India has invited leaders from a multi-nation grouping after inviting all ten ASEAN leaders in 2018. That both the European Council and Commission heads are present speaks volumes about the "Strategic Partnership" India and the EU cultivated since 2004.
The Agenda: More Than Simple Parade
Although the Republic Day parade will be the ceremonial centerpiece of the trip, high-stake diplomatic and economic priorities characterize its itinerary. 16th India-EU Summit: On January 27, India-EU leaders will co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit.
The landmark trade pact: As negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) come to the end of their day, trade analysts are giddy. There is great hope a major deal 20 out of 24 chapters are already closed might be signed or significantly advanced during this visit.
Strategic Ties: At the same time, talks of the Indo-Pacific region, clean energy transitions will take center stage, and joint defense industrial cooperation will be sought even more so if EU strategy shifts toward multiple strategic partners.
Why Not Putin or Trump?
While rampant rumors circulating on social media and numerous unofficial reports that the Russian President or the newly re-elected U.S. President could be visiting this country, the Indian government chose the path of “Economic Diplomacy.” India, by prodding the EU leadership to share the summit, is signalling its strategy to increase trade liberalization for its major trading partner (in 2024-25 the goods trade crossed $136 billion), as well as insulating exports from the transition of global trade tariffs.
Vande Mataram theme & Special Invitations
The 2026 Republic Day will also mark the 150th anniversary of the 'Vande Mataram' song. On top of that, President Droupadi Murmu’s official invite boxes for the occasion won accolades for their craftsmanship, showcasing handpicked cultural relics from the Northeast of India, including the cane jewelry made in Tripura and the rare stinging nettle cloth of Nagaland. With the nation preparing for the 77th Republic Day, Europe’s highest brass will help in writing a new chapter of India’s foreign policy with the likes of the leading diplomats of Paris as well as the Prime Minister visiting New Delhi.
