European (EU) leaders on Monday hailed India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations as a spectacular tribute to history, culture, and future ambition.
They thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the invitation.
European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the parade as Chief Guests. They described the event as historic and symbolic.
Ursula von der Leyen said the presence of European Union flags reflected growing security cooperation with India.
She highlighted the display of the EU Military Staff and maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES.
She shared a video from the parade on social media. The footage showed EU contingents marching and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming her at Kartavya Path.
In her post, Ursula von der Leyen said the moment symbolised deepening defence ties. She added that the cooperation would culminate with the signing of a Security and Defence Partnership.
Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy. The President’s Bodyguard escorted them. The revival of the custom added ceremonial grandeur.
Antonio Costa thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for hosting the European Union.
He called the parade a celebration of India’s rich history and vibrant diversity.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the EU leaders’ presence as a milestone in India-EU relations. It noted the first-ever participation of EU military and naval contingents.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations. She unfurled the national flag. A 21-gun salute followed, fired using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the summit in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The European Council said the summit would strengthen the strategic partnership. Leaders will focus on trade, security, defence, clean transition, and people-to-people ties.
Both sides are expected to adopt a comprehensive strategic agenda. It will cover prosperity, sustainability, technology, innovation, security, defence, and global connectivity.
Leaders will also review free trade agreement negotiations. Discussions will include the Indo-Pacific, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the Middle East situation.
The celebrations and summit together signalled a stronger, forward-looking partnership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
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