The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi [India]:
As India marks its 77th Republic Day, the celebrations at Kartavya Path will feature a unique blend of tradition, culture, and global partnerships. This year, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Council, Antonio Luís Santos da Costa, are attending the celebrations as Chief Guests.
The two European leaders are on a State visit to India from January 25 to 27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union.
European Council President Antonio Costa
Antonio Luís Santos da Costa, born in Lisbon in 1961, is a prominent Portuguese political leader known for his emphasis on dialogue, political stability, and sustainable development. He comes from a multicultural family with Portuguese, Indian, and Mozambican roots, an upbringing that has significantly shaped his global outlook and commitment to international cooperation.
A law graduate from the University of Lisbon, Costa entered politics at a young age and rose through the ranks of the Portuguese Socialist Party. Over the years, he held several key positions, including Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Minister for Justice, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Minister of State and Interior, and Mayor of Lisbon.
Costa served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 2015 for nine years, during which the country witnessed stable economic growth, improved public finances, declining unemployment, and increased investment in renewable energy. His leadership and consensus-building skills led to his appointment as President of the European Council in December 2024.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, born in 1958, is a medical doctor by training and has devoted over two decades to public service. She began her political career at the local and regional levels in Germany and served as Federal Minister for Family Affairs and Youth, Labour, and Defence between 2005 and 2019.
She assumed office as President of the European Commission in 2019 and was re-elected for a second term in July 2024. In her current mandate, von der Leyen is focused on strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and independence, defending democratic values, enhancing security, and increasing global cooperation.
Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path
Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated to reflect India’s journey and achievements. According to the Ministry of Defence, the celebrations will highlight the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, India’s developmental progress, military strength, cultural diversity, and citizen participation.
The Republic Day parade will feature a European Union contingent comprising four flag bearers on three gypsies, carrying the flags of the European Union, the European Union Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta, and EU Naval Force Aspides.
A total of 30 tableaux—17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from various Ministries, Departments, and Services—will roll down Kartavya Path under the themes “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” The tableaux will showcase India’s cultural richness alongside its rapid progress towards self-reliance.
Strengthening India–EU Ties
Foreign affairs experts note that the visit of European leaders comes at a crucial juncture, with India and the European Union nearing the conclusion of long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. EU Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič recently stated that talks are in their final stages.
In addition, India and the EU are set to unveil a Security and Defence Strategic Partnership, further strengthening cooperation between the two democracies. The agreement, to be signed by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will be only the third such partnership signed by the EU in Asia, after Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Speaking earlier, Ursula von der Leyen said that India and Europe have chosen strategic partnership, dialogue, and openness, adding that both sides are building mutual resilience. Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, she described the proposed FTA as potentially “the mother of all deals,” creating a market of nearly two billion people and accounting for almost a quarter of global GDP.
