For Republic Day 2026 on January 26, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were invited as chief guests — a historic first for EU leaders — to advance negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. At the 77th Republic Day parade (January 26, 2025), Rajasthan's tableau inspired by the centuries-old Ustad art of Bikaner had won the third prize in the popular choice category. The Ustad art form, a traditional craft of Muslim artisans in Bikaner, is known for intricate paintings on camel hide and ivory. It received the GI (Geographical Indication) tag, giving Rajasthan increased visibility in showcasing its unique heritage on the national stage.
Republic Day 2026: EU Leaders as Chief Guests, Rajasthan's Bikaner Ustad Art Tableau Wins Prize
AQuick answer
EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen were invited as Republic Day 2026 chief guests to advance India-EU FTA talks; Rajasthan's Bikaner Usta Art tableau won 3rd prize in the popular choice category at Republic Day 2026.
Key facts
- EU leaders Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen were invited as Republic Day 2026 chief guests.
- The invitation aims to advance India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
- Rajasthan's Bikaner Usta Art tableau won 3rd prize in the popular choice category at the Republic Day 2026 parade.
- Ustad art is a distinctive Bikaner craft involving gold and silver work on camel hide.
- Republic Day celebrates the adoption of India's Constitution on January 26, 1950.
- Inviting EU leaders signals India's strategic priority of deepening European partnerships.
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Who were invited as chief guests for India's Republic Day 2026 celebrations on January 26?
Explanation · Correct answer C
For Republic Day 2026, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were invited as chief guests — a historic first for EU leaders — to advance India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
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Frequently asked questions
Who were invited as chief guests for Republic Day 2026 and why?
EU leaders Antonio Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) were invited as chief guests for Republic Day 2026. The invitation was aimed at advancing India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
What is Ustad (Usta) art and which district of Rajasthan is it associated with?
Ustad (Usta) art is a distinctive traditional craft of Bikaner, Rajasthan, involving intricate gold and silver work (naqashi) on camel hide. It is a GI-tagged art form representing the unique cultural heritage of the Bikaner region.
What prize did Rajasthan's tableau win at Republic Day 2026 and what did it depict?
Rajasthan's tableau depicting Bikaner's Ustad art won the Third Prize at the Republic Day 2025 parade, showcasing the distinctive craft of gold and silver work on camel hide that is unique to the Bikaner region.
When was India's Constitution adopted and what does Republic Day celebrate?
India's Constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950, replacing the Government of India Act. Republic Day is celebrated annually on January 26 to commemorate this historic moment when India became a sovereign democratic republic.
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