Next year, for the first time in history, the leader of the European Union will be participating in our country’s Republic Day celebrations in Delhi. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel have been invited as chief guests, a record-breaker in India-EU relations.
For Indians, January 26 has also become a day to look back at the day our Constitution came into effect, launching us as a republic. To have the EU leadership at the highest level be part of that moment is a good message: that India’s voice and the EU’s shared global aspirations are converging. The invitation is not just protocol it speaks of building trust, growing trade, science-tech cooperation, and shared values of freedom and democracy.
Picture Kartavya Path’s broad boulevard in Delhi spreading the red carpet to the EU leaders, thousands witnessing the floats, bands, march past and hidden behind the pageantry is an under-keyed discussion unfolding: on clean energy partnership, digital regulation, trade flows, defence partnerships, and the role of big economies. The EU and India are set on a multipolar world, climate action and inclusive growth, and this gesture reiterates that convergence.
Of course, inviting foreign dignitaries on Republic Day is not new. India has invited many countries before. What makes this moment special is the concurrent visit of the EU leadership, as compared to one head of state. It reflects India’s emphasis on multilateralism and global partnership beyond bilateral contexts.
For the Indians, the EU-flags and tricolours show could be a lasting memory, a moment of deference and appreciation, but of shared desire. There is also a realistic side to it: with pomp and ceremony hanging around, such visits have a tendency to get business negotiations and diplomatic movement going.
Lastly, this step is symbolic and real. It’s a signal to the world that India believes its future is in Europe; and that Europe finally feels prepared to walk it with her. With the Republic Day countdown starting, there’s a palpable background hum of quiet expectation in the air one that leans and says: this parade is not just a parade, this is a vow.
