European leaders attend India’s Republic Day parade as chief guests in New Delhi
India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi drew international attention after European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended the Kartavya Path parade as chief guests. The programme mixed military contingents, domestically made defence platforms and cultural performances, while parades took place nationwide under heightened security.
A high-profile international presence at a national ceremony
India’s 77th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2026 in New Delhi featured prominent international guests, with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attending as chief guests. Their presence underlined the global visibility of India’s annual national ceremony, which marks the adoption of the Constitution on 26 January 1950.
The parade, held on Kartavya Path, is a flagship event in India’s civic calendar. It is designed to combine symbolism, pageantry and messaging: a constitutional commemoration, a military showcase and a cultural presentation that spans regions and traditions.
What the parade showcased
Marching contingents from the military and paramilitary forces, along with bands, moved in formation down the boulevard. The procession included displays of domestically produced military hardware such as tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, mobile radar systems and missile platforms.
Alongside the defence segment, performers in vivid attire presented folk dances and a set of floats showcased cultural themes. Stunt riders on motorcycles added a crowd-pleasing component, reinforcing the parade’s blend of ceremony and spectacle.
Flypast and nationwide parades
The New Delhi programme ended with an air force flypast that included Rafale fighter jets and transport aircraft. Similar Republic Day parades were also staged in state capitals and major cities, where authorities maintained heightened security during the celebrations.
For international visitors, the event offers a concentrated view of India’s emphasis on constitutional identity and state capacity, expressed through a carefully structured programme. For domestic audiences, the same ceremony acts as a yearly reaffirmation of unity and diversity, projected on a national stage.