India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26, the day India became a Republic by adopting its Constitution and formally breaking away from its colonial past.
The annual grand parade took place along Delhi's majestic central avenue, Kartavya Path, where thousands gathered to watch military tank formations pass by and fighter jets flying overhead. President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag as the national anthem played along with a 21-gun salute.
The parade itself is a show, but at the end of the day, everyone wants to know who has the best seats at the ceremony, which this year will feature European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
India has invited them as chief guests for the celebrations, putting the European Union at the centre of one of the country's most notable events.
About European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Taking part in the Republic Day celebration in New Delhi on Monday, Ursula called it the honour of a lifetime. Taking to X, she said, It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit."
Participating as an esteemed chief guest, she was seen wearing a gorgeous Indian brocade kurta and chooridar.
It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 26, 2026
A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.
And we all benefit ↓ https://t.co/boeqFGv15Q
The president of the European Commission was born in 1958. She is a medical doctor by training and has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to a career in public service. Ursula first entered the world of politics at the local and state levels and served as the Federal minister for families and children from 2005 to 2019, then labour and defence in Germany, her home country.
Ursula took the helm of the European Commission in 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in July 2024. During this term, she intends to work towards creating a more competitive and independent European Union, supporting democracy and its citizens and taking greater responsibility for the member states' defence and security needs in an ever-changing global environment.
Also Read | Are banks closed for four days? Nationwide strike by 8 lakh employees on January 27 could halt services
European Council President António Costa
President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, was born in Lisbon in 1961. He is a prominent Portuguese political leader known for his focus on dialogue, political stability, and sustainable development.
Born into a family of Portuguese, Indian, and Mozambican heritage, Antonio Costa grew up surrounded by different cultures. He also completed his law degree at the University of Lisbon, and continued to advance his political career after joining the Portuguese Socialist Party at a very young age. Through work in various positions in the Portuguese government, he gained considerable experience and expertise before becoming the President of the European Council.
He became the Prime Minister of Portugal in 2015. Before that, he held several important roles, including Minister for Parliamentary Affairs from 1997 to 1999, Minister for Justice from 1999 to 2002, Member and Vice-President of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2005, Minister of State and Minister for the Interior from 2005 to 2007, and Mayor of Lisbon from 2007 to 2015.
Special guests
According to the Ministry of Defence, approximately 10,000 guests have been invited as special guests. These special guests will include individuals recognised for their outstanding contributions to the creation of jobs and income as well as the top innovators, start-ups, self-help-groups and best performers under various government initiatives.
The primary purpose of inviting special guests is to officially show gratitude for their contributions to the country and to increase community participation in significant national events.
