India Celebrates 77th Republic Day; EU Leaders Attend as Chief Guests Amid Global Tensions

New Delhi. India is grandly celebrating its 77th Republic Day on Monday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the countrymen and expressed confidence that the resolve for a 'Developed India' will be further strengthened.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Modi wished that this national festival, a symbol of India's pride, would fill everyone's life with new energy and enthusiasm. India is showcasing its development journey, cultural diversity, and military strength at the ceremony.

This year's Republic Day ceremony features European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa as the chief guests. Participating in the special ceremony held at Kartavya Path in Delhi, President Ursula stated that India and the European Union are presenting an alternative to a 'fragmented world'. She commented that India and Europe are choosing strategic partnership, dialogue, and openness, thereby showing the world that another path is possible.

The remarks by the European leaders come at a time when tensions have arisen between the European Union and the United States over issues including trade and Greenland. European leaders also criticized the policies of US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Amidst this geopolitical tension, negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union have reached the final stage.