26 January,2026 08:26 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
European Commission President Ursula thanks President Murmu. (Pic/X)
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.
Ursula drew attention to the ideological similarities between democracy in Europe and India, and their shared commitment to shaping a new world order, reported ANI.
Taking to the social media platform 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."
She also wrote, "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."
The EU President 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."
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.
After the parade and after seeing off the president and the visiting foreign dignitaries, Prime Minister Modi kept with his custom of walking along the Kartavya Path. The Prime Minister was seen waving to the spectators who had gathered to witness the Republic Day parades.
At the end of the ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu, along with Republic Day Parade Chief Guests, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, was escorted by the President's Bodyguard, also known as 'Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak', as they departed for Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India was privileged to host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
Posting on X, PM Modi wrote, "India is privileged to host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during our Republic Day celebrations. Their presence underscores the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership and our commitment to shared values. The visit will add momentum to the deepening engagement and cooperation between India and Europe across diverse sectors."
(With inputs from ANI)
