As India prepares to celebrate its 77th Republic Day with pomp and pageantry, messages of goodwill have arrived from France and Iran, signaling robust diplomatic bonds. The French Embassy posted on X, wishing everyone a happy Republic Day and expressing joy at the attendance of EU leaders following France’s chief guest role last year. This convergence highlights collaborative efforts toward a future of peace and shared prosperity.
Echoing the sentiment, Iran’s Embassy in India congratulated the Indian government and its people, while emphasizing the deep-rooted historical friendship and commitment to broadening cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
At the heart of the celebrations, a spectacular parade will grace Delhi’s Kartavya Path, presided over by President Droupadi Murmu. Joining her as chief guests will be prominent EU figures: Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
Von der Leyen landed in India on Saturday, greeted by Commerce and Industry Minister of State Jitin Prasada. This high-profile visit is seen as a game-changer for India-EU ties, especially with FTA talks nearing completion. The Ministry of External Affairs shared on X that the partnership, grounded in trust and shared democratic values, is set for its next strategic phase.
Experts anticipate that the Republic Day events could pave the way for formalizing the India-EU FTA, potentially unlocking vast trade opportunities and strengthening global supply chains between these economic powerhouses.