As India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, featuring an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of Vande Mataram, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa are the Chief Guests as India marks its celebrations.
India is all set for the 2026 Republic Day celebrations, with preparations complete for the nation's 77th Republic Day celebration. Security has been strengthened across Delhi-NCR in view of the significance of the event. This year's ceremony will feature a major international presence, with a European Union delegation attending as chief guests. The group includes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
The Republic Day event at Kartavya Path has been themed around 150 years of Vande Mataram. The ceremonial parade will begin at 10:30 am and run for about 90 minutes, led by President Droupadi Murmu. The day will start with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute at the National War Memorial. Following this, the parade will commence with President Murmu taking the salute. The parade will be commanded by Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.
Live updates : Republic Day Parade 2026
Construction workers and beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme have been invited as special guests to the Republic Day parade, underscoring the Centre's emphasis on inclusive and people-centric development, according to a statement. On the eve of the 77th Republic Day, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu interacted with PM SVANidhi beneficiaries and construction workers linked to projects such as Kartavya Path and Kartavya Bhawan, who will witness the parade at Kartavya Path. He described construction workers as the "architects of the nation's destiny" and reiterated the government's commitment to their welfare, dignity and recognition.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended his wishes to India on its 77th Republic Day: "On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on your Republic Day," he stated. "The United States and India share a historic bond. From our close cooperation on defense, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies to our multi-layered engagement through the Quad, the U.S.-India relationship delivers real results for our two countries and for the Indo-Pacific region. I look forward to working together to advance our shared objectives in the year ahead," he added.
A large group of monks from 40 countries who attended the two-day Global Buddhist Summit in Delhi will be among the "honoured guests" at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path. The summit was organised by the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the ministry on January 24-25. Its theme was "Collective Wisdom, United Voice, and Mutual Coexistence". The summit also stood as an "expression of India's message from the Land of the Buddha for peaceful resolution of conflicts, global inequalities, and ecological crisis," the culture ministry said in a statement.
The national capital has been placed on high alert on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with intensified security checks underway across the Delhi-NCR region. Police personnel conducted thorough vehicle checks at Gurugram, Chilla, Tikri, Singhu, Kapashera, Badarpur, and Dhaula Kuan borders amid heightened security arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations. Meanwhile, other parts of the country donned the tricolour to mark the momentous occasion. In Uttar Pradesh's Etawah, government buildings were illuminated with tricolour lights on the occasion of Republic Day.
