Published: 25 January 2026PIBGeneral
77th Republic Day: Theme '150 Years of Vande Mataram'; EU Leaders von der Leyen & Costa as Chief Guests
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, under the theme '150 Years of Vande Mataram'. For the first time, both top EU leaders -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa -- attended as Chief Guests, signalling the deepening India-EU partnership.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the ceremony which commenced at 10:30 AM. The parade featured 29 aircraft in the flypast including Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 in various formations. Paintings from Tejendra Kumar Mitra's 1923 'Bande Mataram Album' were displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path. Pan-India military band performances on the 'Vande Mataram' theme were held from January 19-26.
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Q: Analyse the diplomatic significance of the 77th Republic Day celebrations held under the theme '150 Years of Vande Mataram' with European Union leaders as Chief Guests.
Answer (50 words):
India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026 at Kartavya Path. For the first time, both European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa attended as Chief Guests. President Droupadi Murmu presided, and the parade featured a 29-aircraft flypast including Rafale and Su-30.
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Linked questionMedium
What was the theme of India's 77th Republic Day celebrated on January 26, 2026?
Explanation · Correct answer AThe 77th Republic Day theme was '150 Years of Vande Mataram', commemorating the national song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Frequently asked questions
What was the theme of India's 77th Republic Day?
India's 77th Republic Day (January 26, 2026) was themed **'150 Years of Vande Mataram'**, celebrating Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's composition.
Who were the chief guests at 77th Republic Day and why was it historic?
**EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President Antonio Costa** were chief guests — the **first time both top EU leaders jointly attended** India's Republic Day.
Where is India's Republic Day parade held?
India's Republic Day parade is held at **Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), New Delhi**.
What military showcase was highlighted at Republic Day 2026?
The parade featured a **special Operation Sindoor showcase** — with S-400, BrahMos, 'Sindoor Formation' fly-past, Suryastra debut, and Bhairav Battalion's maiden march.
What is the India-EU FTA signed around Republic Day 2026?
The **India-EU Free Trade Agreement** was signed at the **16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026** — India cut car tariffs and EU granted zero-duty access for Indian textiles.
