NEW DELHI: European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday, a successful India makes the world “more stable, prosperous and secure,” after attending India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, a day ahead of the India–EU summit.Von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa attended the Republic Day parade as chief guests, marking the first time that two top European Union leaders jointly graced India’s Republic Day celebrations.
“It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit,” von der Leyen said in a X post after the ceremony. President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag as the parade unfolded along Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s military strength, indigenous defence capabilities and cultural heritage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, senior cabinet ministers, the country’s top military leadership, foreign diplomats and senior officials were among those present.From military prowess to cultural richness: India’s 77th Republic Day parade in picsA European Union military contingent, led by Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt, also took part in the parade. Von der Leyen and Costa, on a state visit accompanied by a high-level delegation, are scheduled to hold summit level talks with PM Modi on Tuesday, with discussions expected to focus on trade, security and strategic cooperation.India traditionally invites foreign leaders as chief guests for its Republic Day celebrations. Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto was the chief guest last year, while French president Emmanuel Macron attended in 2024 and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2023. There were no chief guests in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.In recent years, the parade has also been attended by leaders including former US President Barack Obama, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries.