A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday after witnessing the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the majestic Kartavya Path, a day ahead of the India-EU summit. "It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi said India was privileged to host Costa and von der Leyen at the Republic Day celebrations. Last year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Republic Day chief guest, while French President Emmanuel Macron graced the occasion in 2024. There was no Republic Day chief guest in 2021 and 2022 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: The Telegraph January 26, 2026 21:23 UTC