India’s Republic Day chief guests 2026

India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with two distinguished European leaders as chief guests:

Their joint presence underlined India–EU strategic partnership and Europe’s growing geopolitical engagement with India.

Theme: Vande Mataram
The 90-minute Republic Day Parade commemorated the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”.
The Beating the Retreat ceremony also followed the same theme.
The celebrations highlighted national unity, patriotism and cultural heritage, while signalling India’s expanding global partnerships.

End of VIP culture:
- Parade enclosures renamed after major rivers of India.
- Beating the Retreat enclosures renamed after Indian musical instruments.
Historic firsts:
- European naval contingent participated in the Republic Day parade for the first time.
New military displays introduced:
- Bhairav Battalion
- Shaktibaan Regiment
- Drone Power demonstration
- Universal Rocket Launcher

These changes reflected India’s emphasis on equality, indigenisation and modern warfare capabilities.

The ceremony opened with a performance by 100 cultural artists, accompanied by traditional Indian war instruments.
Marching contingents included:
- Bhairav Contingent
- Ladakh Scouts, performing the Uncha Kadam Taal
Special operational representations:
- Zanskar Pony
- Bactrian Camel
- Dog Squad
Scale of participation:
- 18 parade contingents
- 13 military bands
Flypast highlights:
- Rafale
- Su-30
- P-8I
- C-130
- C-295
- MiG-29
- Apache
- LCH
- ALH
- Mi-17

Born: 17 July 1961, Lisbon
Nickname: “Gandhi of Lisbon”
Indian connection:
- Roots in Goa
- Holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card
- Awarded Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in 2017
Political career highlights:
- First elected MP in 1991
- Minister for Parliamentary Affairs (1997)
- Member and Vice-President of the European Parliament (from 2004)
- Mayor of Lisbon (2007)
- Prime Minister of Portugal (2015, reappointed 2019)
- Elected President of the European Council on 27 June 2024
- Assumed office on 1 December 2024

Born: 1958
Education:
- Medical degree (1987)
- Doctorate (1991)
- Master of Public Health (2001)
Political background:
- Member of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) since 1990
- German Bundestag member (2009–2019)
- Federal Minister in Germany for over 14 years:
  - Family Affairs (2005–2009)
  - Labour and Social Affairs (2009–2013)
  - Defence (2013–2019)
European leadership:
- First woman President of the European Commission (2019)
- Re-elected for a second term in July 2024
- Will serve until European elections 2029

Since 1950, India has invited leaders of friendly nations as chief guests.
First chief guest: Indonesian President Sukarno (1950).
Years without a chief guest: 1952, 1953, 1966, and 2021–2022 (COVID-19).

Reinforced India–EU strategic convergence
Highlighted India’s military modernisation and cultural diversity
Sent a strong message on equality, inclusiveness and global cooperation
The dual European leadership presence reflected India’s rising stature in global geopolitics and multilateral diplomacy