India Celebrates 77th Republic Day With Global Leaders

On January 26, 2026, India marked its 77th Republic Day with a spectacular display of national pride, military prowess, and international camaraderie, drawing the world’s gaze to New Delhi’s iconic Kartavya Path. The day commemorated the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, a defining moment that set the foundation for the world’s largest democracy. But this year, the celebrations felt especially significant, resonating far beyond India’s borders and highlighting the country’s growing influence on the global stage.

The festivities kicked off early in the morning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the nation’s fallen heroes at the National War Memorial. The arrival of President Droupadi Murmu, flanked by European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—the event’s chief guests—set the tone for a day that would blend tradition with diplomacy. As the President’s Bodyguard escorted the dignitaries in a traditional buggy, anticipation buzzed through the crowd of thousands gathered along the parade route.

This year’s central theme, “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” paid homage to India’s national song and its enduring role in the country’s freedom struggle. The melody echoed across the parade grounds, weaving together cultural performances, vibrant tableaux, and military demonstrations into a tapestry of national unity. According to Hindustan Times, over 2,500 performers from every state and union territory participated, while nearly 10,000 special guests from diverse backgrounds were invited to witness the spectacle.

The parade itself was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force rolled out their latest hardware, including the BrahMos and Akash missile systems, the Suryastra rocket launcher, and the Main Battle Tank Arjun. The newly formed Shaktiban Regiment, equipped with cutting-edge drone and counter-drone technology, made its debut, symbolizing India’s technological leap in defense. Fly-pasts by Rafale and Sukhoi jets painted the sky, drawing cheers from the crowd. For the first time, Simran Bala led an all-male CRPF contingent, shattering glass ceilings and making history on the parade ground.

Tableaux from states like Odisha, Rajasthan, Nagaland, Maharashtra, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab showcased India’s rich diversity. From the Kochi Water Metro to the historical grandeur of Kalinjar Fort, the floats celebrated both heritage and modern development. The tri-services tableau, featuring replicas of weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor, was a highlight, reflecting the nation’s recent military achievements.

Internationally, the parade signaled a milestone in India-EU relations. The presence of EU leaders was not just ceremonial; it was a diplomatic statement. As DW reported, the EU contingent participated in the parade for the first time, a gesture described by India’s Ministry of External Affairs as a “milestone moment.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen donned a Banarasi brocade bandhgala jacket, a sartorial nod to India’s textile heritage that resonated widely on social media. Von der Leyen remarked, “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.” European Council President Antonio Costa echoed her sentiment, celebrating the “strong and growing EU-India partnership—from trade and security to the clean transition and vibrant people-to-people connections.”

Behind the scenes, the EU-India summit was poised to announce a landmark free trade deal and a new security partnership. The agreement, expedited by US President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods in 2025, reflects India’s strategic pivot toward Europe. According to EU figures, trade in goods between India and the EU reached €120 billion ($139 billion) in 2024, nearly doubling over the past decade. The International Monetary Fund projects India will become the world’s fourth-largest economy this year, underscoring the country’s growing clout in global affairs.

India’s strengthening international ties were further highlighted by messages from world leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated President Murmu, calling India and China “good neighbours, friends and partners.” In a statement carried by Xinhua, Xi said, “Over the past year, China-India relations have continued to improve and develop and are of great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity.” The two countries, despite lingering border tensions and the fallout from the 2020 clashes, have resumed direct flights and are exploring easing investment curbs. French President Emmanuel Macron also sent warm greetings, recalling his presence at last year’s Republic Day and looking forward to further collaboration.

Celebrations were not confined to New Delhi. Across India and among the diaspora worldwide, Republic Day was marked with pride. In Alaska, Governor Mike Dunleavy officially proclaimed January 26 as “Republic Day of India in Alaska,” recognizing the Indian community’s contributions to the state’s cultural and economic vitality. The Consulate General of India in Seattle hosted a celebration, underscoring the shared values of democracy and innovation between Alaska and India.

Political voices within India added their own flavors to the day’s narrative. Congress MP Manickam Tagore criticized the seating arrangement of opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, claiming it reflected the government’s mindset. Uttar Pradesh’s political leaders, including BJP state president Pankaj Chaudhary and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution and national unity. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged citizens to defend secularism and federalism, warning of attempts to weaken constitutional values. In Jammu & Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke of a “new dawn,” promising to utilize local water resources for the region’s development and to deal strictly with terrorism-related cases.

The parade was also a platform for social initiatives and rehabilitation. In Bengaluru, prisoners from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison contributed bakery items for the celebrations, a project supported by IT major HCL under the ‘Nav Sankalp’ rehabilitation program.

The day’s events concluded with the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border, symbolizing peace and continuity. The global outpouring of greetings—from Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya to US ambassador Sergio Gor—reinforced India’s central role in fostering regional and international partnerships.

As the sun set over Kartavya Path, the echoes of “Vande Mataram” lingered in the air, a reminder of the enduring spirit that unites India’s past, present, and future. With its 77th Republic Day, India not only celebrated its constitutional legacy but also showcased its aspirations as a confident, inclusive, and globally engaged nation.