India’s Republic Day Parade, held annually on January 26, has long served as both a celebration of the nation’s democratic constitution and a diplomatic showcase. For the 77th Republic Day in 2026, New Delhi has invited two top leaders from the European Union as chief guests, underscoring the growing strategic and economic relationship between India and Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are set to attend the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as chief guests from January 25 to January 27, 2026. Their joint presence is historic: this is the first time that top officials of the EU will attend the parade together, signalling India’s emphasis on strengthening ties with the bloc amid ongoing trade negotiations, including a potential India–EU Free Trade Agreement that could cover nearly 2 billion people and about 25% of global GDP.
The choice of chief guests each year often reflects India’s foreign policy priorities and evolving global partnerships. A chronological list of India’s Republic Day chief guests since 2015 illustrates this trend:
Republic Day Chief Guests (2015–2026)
2015: President Barack Obama – United States
2016: President François Hollande – France
2017: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – United Arab Emirates
2018: ASEAN Leaders (ten heads of state/government) – ASEAN countries
2019: President Cyril Ramaphosa – South Africa
2020: President Jair Bolsonaro – Brazil
2021–22: No chief guest (due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2023: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi – Egypt
2024: President Emmanuel Macron – France
2025: President Prabowo Subianto – Indonesia
2026: Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission) and António Costa (European Council) – European Union
The pattern of invitations illustrates India’s global diplomatic reach: from major Western powers and neighbouring regions to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and now the European Union as a bloc partner. Calling European leaders as chief guests at this year’s parade highlights India’s strategic intent to diversify partnerships, deepen economic cooperation, and strengthen multilateral engagement in a shifting global order.
Short Summary
For Republic Day 2026, India has invited European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa as chief guests the first time EU leadership will appear together, reflecting deepening India–EU strategic and trade ties. A historical list of Republic Day chief guests since 2015 highlights India’s evolving diplomatic engagements.