‘A successful India makes the world more stable’: EU chief underlines strategic partnership after attending Republic Day parade
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said India’s success strengthens global stability, prosperity and security, a day before the India–EU summit. She and European Council President António Costa attended the Republic Day parade as chief guests, in a rare joint appearance by the EU’s two top leaders on India’s national stage.
A Republic Day message with global resonance
On 26 January 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her Republic Day visit to project a broad international message: that India’s rise benefits not only Indians, but also the wider world. Her remarks came shortly after she attended the 77th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, where she was invited as a chief guest along with European Council President António Costa.
In a post following the ceremony, von der Leyen said it was an “honor of a lifetime” to be present for the celebrations, and linked India’s progress to international stability, prosperity and security. The statement, while diplomatic in tone, signalled that the European Union is positioning India not just as a major market, but as a strategic partner in a more contested global environment.
Why the joint EU presence matters
India traditionally invites prominent foreign leaders to Republic Day, but the simultaneous presence of the EU’s two top leaders was a notable departure from the usual pattern. The visit comes as India and the EU attempt to add momentum to discussions spanning trade, strategic cooperation and security, with summit-level talks scheduled for Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly welcomed the leaders and described their participation as a reflection of the “growing strength” of India–EU ties and a commitment to shared values. The ceremonial optics—chief guests at the national parade, followed by formal summit talks—offered a compressed diplomatic storyline designed for both domestic and international audiences.
- Date and venue: Republic Day parade on 26 January 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
- Chief guests: Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission) and António Costa (European Council).
- Diplomatic next step: India–EU summit talks scheduled for 27 January 2026.
The larger takeaway is that the EU appears to be investing political capital in its India partnership, using high-profile public messaging to underline that India’s growth and strategic choices are now seen as central to Europe’s own long-term stability calculations.