India marks 77th Republic Day at Kartavya Path; EU leaders attend as chief guests
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday (January 26, 2026) with a ceremonial parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, led by President Droupadi Murmu. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attended as chief guests, giving the day added diplomatic weight ahead of India–EU summit talks.
What happened on Republic Day 2026
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with the main parade held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag and presided over the ceremony, with the national anthem and a 21-gun salute marking the formal start of proceedings.
The parade blended military pageantry with cultural showcases, reflecting India’s defence capabilities as well as the diversity of its states and communities. The event is a yearly centrepiece of Republic Day, which commemorates the Constitution coming into force on January 26, 1950.
Why this year’s parade stood out
This year’s celebrations carried a strong diplomatic signal: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attended as chief guests. Their presence was highlighted as a gesture of the growing India–EU partnership, coming during a state visit scheduled from January 25 to 27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A European Union contingent also participated in the parade, adding a distinctive international element to the ceremony. The public optics of EU leaders at the saluting base were designed to underline strategic engagement between India and the European Union.
Themes and symbolism
Alongside the spectacle, the parade projected themes tied to nation-building and self-reliance. Organisers framed the day around messages of patriotism and development, linking the ceremony to broader priorities such as modernisation, security, and economic ambition.
The day also served as a reminder that Republic Day is not only a celebration but a constitutional milestone, reaffirming the values and institutions set out in the Constitution and the responsibilities that come with citizenship.