Why India’s Republic Day Chief Guests Matter More Than Usual in 2026

India’s choice of chief guest for the 2026 Republic Day celebrations is not just a matter of protocol. At a time of shifting global alliances, trade realignments and heightened geopolitical uncertainty, the guest selection reflects New Delhi’s broader diplomatic priorities. This year, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will be the chief guests at the Republic Day parade. The European leaders are on a State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from January 25-27. India and Europe have made a "clear choice" to build a strategic partnership by leveraging their complementary strengths to show a new way of engagement to a "fractured world",

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday ahead of summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Costa described India as a "crucial partner for the EU". "Together, we share the capacity and responsibility to protect the rules-based international order," he was quoted by the EU in a brief statement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen landed in the national capital on January 24 for a four-day visit. President of the European Council Antonio Costa and von der Leyen will hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27. Notably, Costa was born in Lisbon in 1961 and comes from a family with Portuguese, Indian and Mozambican roots.

EU Contingent to Take Part in India's R-Day Parade

The Republic Day Parade will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage to bravehearts at the National War Memorial. An officer of the colonel rank will lead a small EU contingent mounted on a vehicle and following him will be four flag-bearers, riding two different vehicles.The four Flag Bearers on three gypsies will be seen carrying four flags - the flag of the EU, the most recognisable symbol of the European Union; the flag of the European Union Military Staff; the flag of EU Naval Force Atalanta; and the flag of EU Naval Force Aspides.

Mother of All Deals: All Eyes on India-EU FTA

The European leaders are in India for the India-EU summit and the announcement of conclusion of negotiations and finalisation of a free trade agreement. The free trade agreement announcement is scheduled for January 27. However, it will be signed after legal vetting of the text on a mutually agreed date. Implementation of the deal may take some time as it requires approval of the EU parliament. In India, it requires the nod of the Union cabinet only.

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is aimed at boosting economic ties between the two regions amid disruptions in global trade due to US tariffs. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has termed this free trade agreement (FTA) "mother of all deals" the country has signed so far. The NDA government has finalised seven trade pacts since 2014: Australia, the UK, Oman, New Zealand, the UAE, the EFTA bloc, and Mauritius.