EU Leaders to Be Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day Function 2026

Overview: India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026 will witness European Union leaders António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests. This marks the first time the top leadership of the European Union will jointly attend India’s Republic Day parade. Their presence highlights the deepening strategic, diplomatic, and economic partnership between India and the EU.

Riyaz

Jan-17-2026

EU Leaders to Be Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day Function 2026

The most prominent attendees at the India 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, in New Delhi will be European Union leaders António Luís Santos da Costa, the President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission. Their invitation will be the first occasion when the top EU leadership will join the Republic Day parade as one, a sign of the enhanced strategic, diplomatic, and economic relationship between India and the EU. The visit will consist of a state visit on January 25-27 and the co-chairing of the 16th India-EU Summit, where negotiations on a free trade agreement are likely to be developed.

Significance of EU Leaders Attending Republic Day 2026

Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, EU leaders, will become the main guests of the 77th Republic Day of India, which is a breakthrough on the diplomatic scale.
The fact that they attended shows the strategic partnership between India and the European Union is intensifying.
It demonstrates more political, economic, and global collaboration in such spheres as trade, security, technology, and sustainability.
They will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit during the visit, which is expected to enhance cooperation.
Their existence highlights India's growing role in the international arena and underscores the shared interests in an international order governed by rules.

Previous Year Questions Based on the Republic Day

Exam / Context	Year	Question	Answer
General GK Quiz	2025	Which Republic Day will India celebrate in 2025?	76th Republic Day
UPSC Prelims	2021	When was India’s first Republic Day celebrated?	26 January 1950
SSC CGL / GK	2022	Who is the main architect of the Indian Constitution?	Dr B.R. Ambedkar
RRB NTPC	2021	Who attended the Republic Day parade 2021 as the chief guest?	No chief guest
UPSC / GK	2024	Who was the chief guest at Republic Day 2024?	Emmanuel Macron, President of France
General GK Quiz	2023	The Republic Day parade showcases what aspects of India?	Military strength, cultural diversity, achievements
SSC / RAS / GK	2025	Where is the Republic Day parade held annually?	Kartavya Path (earlier Rajpath), New Delhi
RAS Prelims	2022	Who takes the salute at the Republic Day parade?	President of India
UPSC Prelims / GK	2020	What does Republic Day commemorate?	Adoption of the Constitution and India becoming a republic
SSC / GK	2022	When was the Constitution of India adopted as law?	26 November 1949; came into force 26 Jan 1950

Conclusion (EU Leaders' Guests at India’s Republic Day)

The EU leaders are invited as the special guests of the Republic Day India will host in 2026, which reflects the increase in the strategic, diplomatic, and economic collaboration between India and the European Union. There is the implication of their existence on the international front to show the global standing of India, increase closer cooperation on both sides, and demonstrate the dedication to commerce, sustainability, and global collaboration.