EU Leaders Grace Republic Day, Reflect Deepening India–Europe Relations: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the attendance of senior European Union leaders at India’s Republic Day celebrations is a clear indication of the strengthening partnership between India and the EU.

Sharing his views on the social media platform X, PM Modi said, “India is privileged to host European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during our Republic Day celebrations. Their presence underscores the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership and our commitment to shared values.”

PM Modi added, “The visit will add momentum to the deepening engagement and cooperation between India and Europe across diverse sectors.”

President Droupadi Murmu led the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi by unfurling the National Flag and paying tribute to the spirit of the Constitution.

António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen attended the event as Chief Guests. Meanwhile, upholding long-standing protocol, the President’s Bodyguard, known as the ‘Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak’, the Indian Army’s oldest regiment, escorted them to Kartavya Path.

Adding a sense of tradition and elegance, the EU leaders arrived in a traditional buggy, reviving a practice unseen for nearly four decades.

EU-India Summit to Build on Strategic Cooperation

The visit of the two EU leaders will continue with their participation in the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on January 27 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Modi.

According to a statement by the European Council, the summit will strengthen the EU–India strategic partnership and expand cooperation in key areas such as trade, defence and security, the clean energy transition and people-to-people exchanges.

During the meeting, leaders are likely to adopt a comprehensive EU-India strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing cooperation across four broad pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, and connectivity and global challenges.

The high-profile EU presence at the Republic Day celebrations highlights India’s rising diplomatic stature and the growing strategic importance of its partnership with Europe.

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