European Union leaders on Monday praised India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations as a powerful showcase of the country’s rich history, cultural diversity, and future aspirations, calling the event a milestone in deepening India–EU relations.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path as Chief Guests, marking the first time EU leaders jointly participated in India’s national celebrations. Both leaders thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu for the invitation, describing the occasion as historic and symbolically significant.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the unprecedented participation of European Union military and maritime contingents in the parade, calling it a strong signal of expanding security cooperation between India and the EU. For the first time, flags of the European Union, the EU Military Staff, and EU maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES were displayed during the Republic Day ceremony.

Sharing a video of the parade on social media platform X, von der Leyen said the presence of EU security forces at India’s Republic Day reflected growing trust and strategic alignment. “The display of the flags of the EU, the EU Military Staff, and our maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES at India’s Republic Day is a powerful symbol of our deepening security cooperation,” she said, adding that the collaboration would be formalised with the signing of an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership.

Antonio Costa also praised the grandeur and symbolism of the celebrations. Thanking President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, he described the Republic Day parade as “a spectacular celebration of India’s rich history and vibrant cultural diversity” and an embodiment of the country’s aspirations for the future.

As part of a revived tradition discontinued for four decades, the two EU leaders were escorted to Kartavya Path by the President’s Bodyguard in a traditional ceremonial buggy, adding a regal dimension to the celebrations. They were formally received by Prime Minister Modi at the parade venue.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the participation of EU leaders and military contingents as a “milestone” in India-EU relations. In an official statement, the MEA noted that a combined contingent of the EU Military Staff and EU Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES took part in the Republic Day parade for the first time, underscoring the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Republic Day celebrations, unfurling the national flag and leading the nation in commemorating the adoption of the Constitution. The ceremony included a 21-gun salute fired using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns, highlighting India’s growing defence self-reliance.

Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are in New Delhi to represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled to be hosted by Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday. According to the European Council, the summit will focus on strengthening collaboration across key areas including trade, security and defence, clean energy transition, technology, and people-to-people ties.

Leaders are expected to adopt a comprehensive EU-India strategic agenda covering prosperity, sustainability, innovation, connectivity, and global governance. Discussions will also address progress on free trade agreement negotiations, regional security, the Indo-Pacific, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and developments in the Middle East.