Republic day

India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day tomorrow with a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing the country’s military strength, cultural diversity, and democratic values. President Droupadi Murmu will unfurl the national flag, followed by a 21-gun salute.

The ceremonial parade is expected to feature marching contingents of the armed forces, vibrant tableaux from states and Union Territories, and displays highlighting India’s indigenous defence capabilities. This year’s celebrations are set to reflect themes of self-reliance, unity, and national progress.

The President is also scheduled to address the nation, reiterating the core ideals enshrined in the Constitution justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Nationwide, schools, government institutions, and local communities will mark the occasion with flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes.

Observed annually on January 26, Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, symbolising India’s journey as a sovereign, democratic republic.

Short Summary

India will mark its 77th Republic Day tomorrow with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, celebrating constitutional values, cultural unity, and military strength across the nation.

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.