Republic Day 2026 parade highlights: EU participation in celebrations a ‘milestone’, MEA says

Republic Day 2026 live updates: This blog is now closed and will not be updated.

The BJP on Monday accused Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of "disrespecting the culture and people of North-East" by "choosing not to wear Patka," despite President Droupadi Murmu's requests at the Home reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Republic Day.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma strongly condemned Rahul Gandhi's actions, calling them "reinforced a perception of disregard towards the North."

According to BJP leaders, the Patka was worn by everyone at the Home reception, including President Murmu, PM Modi, and foreign dignitaries.

"Times may change, but the attitude of the de facto supremo of the Congress party, Mr Rahul Gandhi, regrettably appears unchanged. In an act that was deeply insensitive and insulting to the people of the entire North East, Mr Gandhi chose not to wear the traditional Patka, a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage, at the reception hosted by the Hon'ble President of India this evening," the Assam CM said in a post on X.

President Droupadi Murmu hosted the traditional "At Home" reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, European Council President Antonio Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

According to the official X handle of Rashtrapati Bhavan, it stated, "President Droupadi Murmu hosted 'At Home' reception on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Chief Guests of the Republic Day Celebration, President of the European Council, Mr Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, attended the reception."

The post further added, "Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Former President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Surya Kant, Speaker Lok Sabha Shri Om Birla, Union Ministers, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and in Lok Sabha, eminent citizens who have made remarkable contributions in different fields and beneficiaries of various developmental programmes of the Government were also present on the occasion. The guests enjoyed the vibrant artistic and cultural elements as well as the cuisine of the North Eastern states of India."

Earlier, President Droupadi Murmu presided over the grand celebrations on Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday thanked President Droupadi Murmu for hosting her as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi.

von der Leyen drew on the ideological similarities between democracy in Europe and India and the shared commitment to shaping a new world order.

In a post on X, she said, “Thank you for hosting us on Republic Day, President Droupadi Murmu. Thank you very much for your warm welcome. Europe and India are the world's largest democracies, committed to working together to shape a new global order. This is why we are here to take our partnership to new heights.”

"The display of the flags of the EU, the EU Military Staff, and our maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES at India's Republic Day is a powerful symbol of our deepening security cooperation. It will culminate tomorrow in the signature of our Security and Defence Partnership," she added.

von der Leyen called it her honour to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

In a post on X, she said, "It is the honour of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure."

Chief ministers cutting across political lines called for upholding the constitutional values on Monday as parades and events marked the 77th Republic-Day celebrations in the states and Union territories.

While the achievements of the state governments were highlighted at the events, some leaders also took potshots at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, claiming that constitutional institutions are facing a grave danger under its rule.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the citizens are the real guardian of the Constitution, asserting that every institution, ministry and department must remain accountable to people.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the state has to fight to get its own rights even today as he slammed the BJP-led Centre over the MGNREGA issue and pending rural development funds.

"I am pained to say that despite making maximum sacrifices, injustice and highhandedness have continuously been done to our state. Punjab has to fight even today to get its own rights and it is knocking on the doors of courts," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said at an event in Hoshiarpur.

In a post on X, Haryana Chief Minister and BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini said, "Republic Day symbolises our unwavering faith in constitutional values, the resolve for social equality, and a firm commitment to democratic ideals. On this auspicious occasion, I salute and pay homage to the valiant freedom fighters who fought for our nation's independence and to the founding fathers of the Constitution who laid the foundation for a strong republic.

Addressing a function in Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured people that the government would thoroughly examine every case linked to terrorism and the guilty would face the strictest punishment.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the chief guest at the function, which was also attended by National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah.

Taking a veiled dig at the Centre, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said, "Let's celebrate a unified India. Not a uniform India."

"We must remain a country where cultures enrich one another, languages coexist with pride and faith is a personal truth. Our strength has never been sameness. It has always been our many-ness. When diversity is protected, belonging feels natural. And the future stays open to everyone, equally. Happy Republic Day, India plural and proud," the DMK leader said in a post on X.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cautioned about a "conspiracy" to make the Constitution irrelevant by taking away the autonomy of constitutional institutions.

"Those who are opposing the Constitution are against social change and social justice. People should understand that they are opposing laws and programmes that are in favour of the poor, farmers, workers, Dalits, and the exploited," the Congress leader said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for unity to defend secularism and federalism.

"The federal concept of a strong Centre with empowered states is facing serious challenges. We should stand together against policies that aim to weaken federalism by curtailing the financial powers of states and turning constitutional institutions into political tools," the CPI(M) leader said.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called for a renewed commitment to the core constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, while stressing the need for "collective vigilance" to safeguard the republic.

"I am reminded today of the old saying: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. I urge everyone today to exercise this vigil. Our republic and our Constitution today demand our collective vigilance," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said in a post on X.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the time has come for people to think and make a choice -- whether they want "vote-bank politics" or to take forward the development journey launched by the BJP government over the last five years.

Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said the state government's top priority is to provide one crore jobs and other employment opportunities by 2030.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unfurled the tricolour at Cuttack and asserted that the BJP government in the state has zero tolerance for crimes against women.

"I would like to assure the mothers and sisters of the state on this occasion that our government is always working for your safety. If anyone commits a crime against you, they will definitely be punished. In cases of violence against women, all the accused have been arrested," he said.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai asserted that Naxalism is set to be eliminated from the state by March.

Addressing a Republic-Day function at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Ground in Mumbai's Dadar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said India is moving fast on the strength of its Constitution and democratic values and is on track to become the world's third-largest economy.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully outlined sharply-contrasting narratives on governance, the Constitution and the state's future while addressing Republic-Day functions. Sharma said India has become the world's fourth-largest economy under Modi's leadership and is moving rapidly towards becoming the third-largest.

Jully, also speaking at Badi Chaupar, described India as a "beautiful and great republic" that guarantees equality to all castes and communities.

However, the Congress leader launched a sharp attack on the ruling BJP, alleging that the forces in power are weakening the Constitution.

Lok Sabha leader of opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attended the "At Home" reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and others also present.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, made a brief appearance at the President of India's At-Home reception on the occasion of Republic Day on Monday.

The MP, who holds a status equivalent to that of a Cabinet Minister, however, did not join the queue of waiting Ministers and instead chose to go and sit with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, sources quoted by news agency ANI said. They said it was the first time Rahul Gandhi had attended an At Home as Leader of the Opposition.

They said that the Congress President chose to leave the occasion early, along with Rahul Gandhi. They said it is a breach of established protocol, which requires that visitors wait for the President's departure before leaving the occasion.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday thanked several other world leaders who extended their Republic Day wishes to India and vowed to expand cooperation.

Jaishankar, in posts on X, received wishes from all over the world on the occasion.

He thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, for his wishes.

"Appreciate your warm wishes, FM Ararat Mirzoyan," he said in a post on X.

Jaishankar thanked Abdulla Khaleel, the Maldives' Minister of Foreign Affairs.

"Thank you for your greetings, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Khaleel," he said.

He also thanked Abdulla Shahid, President of the Maldivian Democratic Party.

“Thank you, Abdulla Shahid, President of the Maldivian Democratic Party, for your warm wishes on India's 77th Republic Day.”

He also thanked the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong.

In a post on X, he said, “Thank you my friend, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong for your warm wishes on India's 77th Republic Day.”

India's 77th Republic Day parade concluded on Monday after a spectacular showcase of the country's military might and diverse culture at Kartavya Path.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that he prays the demoracy and the Indian Republic may remain eternal.

"I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes on the occasion of the Indian Republic Day to all the people of Maharashtra and to all citizens of the country. I pray at the feet of the Almighty that our democracy and our Republic may remain eternal. I humbly express my deep gratitude to Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar, who gave India its finest Constitution, and to all the members of the Constituent Assembly," he told the media.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore reacted to the seating of Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi and the party's National President Mallikarjun Kharge in the third row during the Republic Day celebrations, saying it shows the “mindset” of the government.
"This shows the mindset of the government and especially PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah... Until 2014, opposition leaders Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, and LK Advani always sat there. This is a very low level of politics by the government. Opposition leaders being insulted on Republic Day is unacceptable. Republic Day is the day when we all should be united and celebrate India's achievements that year," he told ANI.

Odisha Congress President, Bhakta Charan Das, reacted to the seating of Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge in the third row during the Republic Day celebrations.

"Those who rise to power through uncivilised and uncultured means will behave in the same way. Rahul Gandhi doesn't care about any of this," he was quoted by ANI as saying. Read more about the row here.

Visuals from the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar on the 77th Republic Day on Monday evening.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Monday said the EU contingent at the Republic Day Parade this year was a “milestone moment” in India-EU relations.

“A milestone in India-EU Relations. Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, President António Costa and President Ursula von der Leyen witnessed the Republic Day parade along with President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi,” Jaiswal wrote on X.

“In a first, a contingent consisting of EU Military Staff and the EU Naval Operations ATALANTA @EUNAVFOR and @EUNAVFORASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade,” he added.

Visuals of people leaving the India Gate area after the conclusion of the Republic Day celebrations on Monday.

Samajwadi Party (SP) National General Secretary Shivpal Singh Yadav unfurled the national tricolour at the Etawah District Cooperative Bank in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, to mark India's 77th Republic Day.

Consul General of India in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, led the 77th Republic Day celebrations in China's financial capital on Monday morning.

Marked by pomp and splendour, the celebrations were attended by over 400 Friends of India from the local Indian diaspora, Chinese community and the diplomatic and consular corps, including 20 Consul Generals representing our European Union friends and partners.

At India's Republic Day 2026 parade in the national capital, where celebrations met a patriotic spirit, with tradition walking hand in hand, fashion also emerged as a quiet yet powerful form of diplomacy. Among the chief guests, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen made a striking statement by donning a Banarasi brocade bandhgala jacket, subtly offering a sartorial tribute to India's rich textile heritage.

In a vibrant shade of burgundy and gold, she paired the bandhgala jacket with white trousers, combining its clean lines and regal silhouette.

By wearing Indian brocade at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations, von der Leyen embraced fashion as a cultural respect - a gesture that deeply resonated with many across social media platforms, as citizens praised her choice of attire for the occasion.

(PTI)

Bakery items prepared by inmates of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison were served during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Monday.

The snack boxes included biscuits, namkeen, cupcakes, and dry fruits.

According to officials, IT major HCL has partnered with the prison authorities to train inmates and improve the quality of bakery products manufactured there.

The initiative is a flagship component of the 'Nav Sankalp' programme of the Karnataka Prisons and Correctional Services Department, aimed at rehabilitating prisoners and preparing them for life after release.

(PTI)

US ambassador to India Sergio Gor greeted India after attending the Republic Day celebrations at the Kartavya Path.

"Happy Republic Day, India! Honoured to attend the Republic Day Parade for the first time, a celebration of India’s Constitution and democratic spirit. Thrilled to see the US-made aircraft soaring in the Indian sky, a powerful symbol of the strength of the US-India strategic partnership," he said.

US-origin transport aircraft, the C-130J, and Apache helicopters were among the aerial platforms that featured in the parade.

Visuals of the celebrations at the Attari-Wagah Border in Amritsar on the Republic Day 2026.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday greeted citizens on Republic Day, saying he was “fortunate” to hoist the National Flag in Bilaspur.

"Many congratulations to everyone on the 77th Republic Day. We are fortunate that we had the opportunity to hoist the flag in Bilaspur today, and yesterday, on the eve of Republic Day, a mass rendition of Vande Mataram was held on the sacred banks of the Arpa River," Sai was quoted by ANI as saying.

Asserting that a new dawn has begun in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that with Operation Sindoor continuing and the Indus Water Treaty suspended, India's water resources will now be utilised for its own requirements.

Addressing the 77th Republic Day function at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, Sinha assured people that the government would thoroughly examine every case linked to terrorism and the guilty would face the strictest punishment.

The lieutenant governor unfurled the tricolour, inspected the Republic Day parade contingents and took the ceremonial salute.

Chief minister Omar Abdullah was the chief guest at the function, which was also attended by National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather and senior BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma.

Leaders of major political parties in Uttar Pradesh, including BJP state president and Union minister Pankaj Chaudhary, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and head of the state's Congress unit Ajay Rai, on Monday greeted the people on the 77th Republic Day, emphasising their commitment to the Constitution, democratic values, and national unity.

BJP chief Chaudhary said on X, "The Constitution of India is the cornerstone of democratic strength, civil equality and commitment to justice."

He called upon people to pledge to protect constitutional values and strengthen the nation's integrity.

In another post, he highlighted Uttar Pradesh's tableau at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, saying it showcased a fine blend of heritage and development, depicting the historical grandeur of Kalinjar Fort, Bundelkhand's folk culture, crafts and traditions alongside modern development projects, reflecting the resolve of "Developed Uttar Pradesh, Developed India."

Deputy Chief Minister Maurya described Republic Day as a celebration of faith in constitutional ideals, social equality and democratic values. He paid tributes to freedom fighters and the framers of the Constitution and urged citizens to participate in building a self-reliant and developed India.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also greeted the people on the national festival and said the Republic symbolises democratic values, unwavering faith in the Constitution and unity in diversity.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav called for a special resolve to protect the Constitution.

In a post on X, he described the day as unique, noting that both the date and the year were 26.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister urged citizens to take a pledge to safeguard democracy and its foundation, the Constitution.

Congress leaders also marked the occasion at the party's state headquarters here.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president and former minister Ajay Rai hoisted the national flag in the traditional manner and saluted it. The programme began with the national song 'Vande Mataram', with several party leaders, including UP Congress Legislature Party leader Aradhana Mishra 'Mona', present.

Addressing party workers, Rai expressed hope that the Republic would remain strong and continue to progress, and said the Congress was committed to building an India where every citizen has equal opportunities.

Rai also said that in the present circumstances, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is standing firm against what he alleged were attempts to undermine the Constitution.

A Jammu and Kashmir Police band enthralled the audience with a musical performance at the Clock Tower, Lal Chowk, on the occasion of Republic Day 2026.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi unfurled the National Flag at multiple locations in Telangana's capital Hyderabad on the 77th Republic Day on Monday, PTI reported.