In a significant diplomatic development, the European Union leadership has officially accepted India's invitation to serve as chief guests for the Republic Day celebrations next year, marking an unprecedented moment in India's ceremonial history.
Historic First for Republic Day
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa will jointly grace the Republic Day parade as chief guests, according to official sources. This represents the first time that the leadership of the European Union has been invited for this highly symbolic role, breaking from traditional patterns of inviting individual heads of state.
The official announcement is expected shortly, but sources confirmed that the EU leadership has conveyed its acceptance. The invitation was extended by the Indian government in late October, as first reported by The Indian Express on October 29.
Strategic Timing and Diplomatic Significance
The presence of EU leaders during the Republic Day celebrations will coincide with the India-EU leaders summit, which has been rescheduled to occur in Delhi on either January 25 or 27. This strategic timing creates a crucial deadline for negotiators from both sides to conclude the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) before the summit.
An invitation to be the Republic Day chief guest carries substantial symbolic weight from the Indian government's perspective. New Delhi has been carefully crafting its hospitality strategy, using such invitations to advance strategic and diplomatic objectives, business interests, and navigate international geopolitics.
Strengthening India-EU Partnership
Relations between India and the 27-member European Union have been steadily improving in recent months, particularly since February this year when the EU's College of Commissioners visited India. The timing becomes especially crucial given the unpredictability of the current US administration under President Donald Trump.
On October 20, the EU approved a new strategic agenda aimed at elevating bilateral relations with India to a higher level. This comprehensive plan includes finalizing the ongoing FTA negotiations and deepening cooperation across multiple sectors including technology, defence, security, and people-to-people ties.
Both von der Leyen and Costa have maintained regular communication with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recent months, including a notable conversation on September 17, which coincided with the Prime Minister's birthday.
Despite some differences between Delhi and Brussels regarding Russian oil imports and India's position on the Ukraine conflict, the prevailing sentiment in Delhi is that the areas of convergence significantly outweigh the disagreements.
As India and the EU work toward an ambitious strategic roadmap, European leaders are positioning themselves as predictable and reliable partners. This development comes 60 years after establishing diplomatic ties and builds on more than 30 years of EU-India cooperation and 20 years of Strategic Partnership.
