The 77th Republic Day of India was celebrated with great enthusiasm and pride. The Kartavya Path showcased what Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a parade offering a glimpse into the strengthening capabilities of the nation’s security forces and a “vivid display of India’s cultural mosaic”. The event was attended by high-profile international dignitaries. The President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, were the chief guests for the parade. This marks the first time leaders of the European Union (EU) have attended the Republic Day, underscoring the growing strength of the India-EU partnership.
150 Years of Vande Mataram Meets High-Tech Warfare
The 2026 parade was characterised by a sharp thematic duality. The cultural anchor was the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”. A series of paintings by Shri Tejendra Kumar Mitra from 1923, illustrating the verses of “Vande Mataram,” were displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path. The tableaux were presented under a broader theme. However, this tribute was contrasted by a showcase of defence capabilities, including the Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, Battle Array Formation, and seven marching contingents. The Phased Battle Array formation was showcased for the first time, featuring an aerial component that mirrored actual combat.
The 77th Republic Day prioritised “Janbhagidari,” or people’s participation, by inviting 10,000 “Special Guests” from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Those with exemplary work in connection with income and employment generation, technology, innovation, start-ups, self help groups, and best performers under key government initiatives were invited.
Thirty tableaux were showcased on Kartavya Path: 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries and Departments, featuring themes centred on “150 years of Vande Mataram” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India). Highlights included the Indian Air Force’s veterans’ tableau, which honoured their contribution to nation-building, along with state displays that complemented these visual narratives. Approximately 2,500 cultural artists performed on themes of freedom and prosperity.
The “Mother of All Deals”: India-EU trade FTA
In a visual testament to deepening ties, the 2026 parade featured the historic participation of European Union naval personnel from Operations Atalanta and Aspides. Their march down Kartavya Path was not merely a ceremonial gesture; it validated the “India-EU Security and Defence Partnership”. Following Republic Day, on 27th January 2026, India and the EU entered a new era of partnership by signing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, hailed as the “Mother of all deals” during the 16th India-EU Summit.
The conclusion of the India-EU FTA creates an unprecedented economic corridor, joining the world’s most populous nation with the European bloc to establish a free trade zone of 2 billion people. As the largest deal ever concluded by either party, it is projected to save €4 billion per year in duties on European products and eliminate tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exports.
The agreement is underscored by tariff reductions designed to spur immediate trade volume. Indian tariffs on European cars will plummet from 110% to just 10%, while duties on car parts will be fully abolished after five to ten years. This move is critical for global automotive supply chain integration. Beyond heavy industry, the deal includes a dedicated chapter for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Tariffs on other key exports such as machinery (up to 44%), chemicals (22%), and pharmaceuticals (11%) will be mostly eliminated. The deal removes prohibitive tariffs on European agri-food products. Notably, tariffs on wines will be cut from 150 per cent to 75 per cent upon entry into force, eventually dropping to 20 per cent, while duties on olive oil will fall from 45 per cent to zero over five years.
The summit also saw the signing of the India-EU Security and Defence Partnership. This partnership enables closer cooperation and joint initiatives on shared priorities such as maritime security, non-proliferation and disarmament, space, countering cyber and hybrid threats, and counterterrorism. Under this partnership, the EU and India strengthen defence industrial cooperation and advance alignment on defence initiatives.
“In this increasingly volatile world, Europe chooses cooperation and strategic partnerships. Today, we have signed the EU-India Free Trade Agreement – the mother of all trade deals. We are opening an incredible market for seamless trade, investments and drastic reductions in tariffs for two billion people. And our Security and Defence Partnership will increase our resilience against all forms of threats. Today, we move forward together, committed to our truly transformative partnership.” – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
