European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inviting them as Chief Guests to India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations. Von der Leyen highlighted the deepening security cooperation between the European Union and India, noting the display of EU flags and military symbols at the event. The EU leaders participated in the parade, with Prime Minister Modi welcoming them at Kartavya Path.
Ursula von der Leyen shared a video on social media showcasing the European contingent’s involvement in the parade, emphasizing the significance of the security cooperation symbolized by the display of EU flags. The EU leaders, accompanied by the President’s Bodyguard, witnessed the Republic Day celebrations and arrived at Kartavya Path in a Traditional Buggy, reviving a 40-year-old tradition. President Costa thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi for the invitation, praising India’s cultural diversity and historical richness.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the EU leaders’ presence at the Republic Day celebrations as a milestone in India-EU relations, highlighting the participation of EU Military Staff and naval operations in the parade. President Droupadi Murmu led the celebrations by unfurling the national flag and overseeing the commemoration of the historic day with a 21-gun salute. Costa and von der Leyen are set to represent the EU at the upcoming EU-India summit hosted by Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi, focusing on strategic partnership, trade, security, defense, and other key policy areas.
