Ursula von der Leyen Joins Republic Day Parade as Chief Guest Amid India-EU Strategic Talks

On this Special Report, the focus is on India's 77th Republic Day celebrations featuring European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa as chief guests. Ursula von der Leyen described the invitation to the parade at Kartavya Path as the 'honour of a lifetime.' The event marked a historic milestone as a European Union contingent marched in the parade for the first time, with flag bearers on gypsy vehicles. The EU leaders arrived in a ceremonial buggy alongside President Droupadi Murmu and were received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is being viewed as a significant strategic move, potentially leading to major agreements. Following the parade, the leaders are scheduled for a high-level meeting with Prime Minister Modi to discuss critical outcomes regarding trade, technology, climate action, and strategic cooperation. This engagement underscores the shifting global alliances and the strengthening of ties between India and the European Union in a period of geopolitical uncertainty.