Editorial

The presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa as guests of honour at India’s 77th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2026, marks a significant milestone in India-EU relations. This dual invitation—rare for the Republic Day celebrations—underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s largest economic bloc, just ahead of their high-level summit on January 27.

Republic Day, commemorating the adoption of India’s Constitution in 1950, is not merely a national spectacle of military precision, cultural diversity, and technological prowess. It serves as a powerful platform for India to project its global stature and extend symbolic invitations to key international partners. Historically, chief guests have ranged from leaders of immediate neighbours to heads of major powers like the United States, France, and Russia. Inviting the top two figures from the European Union collectively signals New Delhi’s recognition of Europe as an indispensable pole in a multipolar world. It reflects India’s desire to diversify partnerships beyond traditional alignments, especially amid geopolitical uncertainties, supply-chain vulnerabilities, and the push for strategic autonomy.

The timing is particularly meaningful. The leaders’ attendance at the grand parade along Kartavya Path, followed by the summit, comes at a juncture when negotiations for a comprehensive India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have gained renewed momentum. After years of stalled talks, recent progress on issues like tariffs, market access for automobiles, wines, electronics, textiles, and chemicals points toward a potential breakthrough. A balanced FTA could unlock billions in trade, boost investments, and create jobs on both sides. Beyond economics, the partnership addresses critical areas: clean energy transitions, digital governance, defence cooperation, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, and countering hybrid threats. The EU’s interest in India’s vast market and democratic stability aligns with India’s ambition to integrate more deeply into global value chains while safeguarding its developmental priorities.

This gesture also carries broader symbolism. In a fractured international landscape marked by conflicts, protectionism, and ideological divides, India and the EU exemplify constructive multilateralism rooted in shared values of democracy, rule of law, and open societies. Von der Leyen and Costa’s participation highlights mutual respect and a commitment to dialogue over confrontation. It sends a message that pragmatic cooperation can prevail, offering an alternative model for global engagement.

As the parade showcases India’s military might, cultural richness, and forward-looking vision, the presence of these EU leaders reinforces the idea that India’s rise is intertwined with collaborative global progress. The ensuing summit provides an opportunity to translate symbolism into substance—advancing trade, technology, and security ties for mutual benefit. In doing so, this Republic Day could well be remembered as a defining moment in forging a stronger, more resilient India-EU axis for the 21st century.

• SAS Kirmani