India wows EU leaders with its military might, rich heritage

After witnessing the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path, where India’s military might and rich, diverse cultural heritage were showcased, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, one of the two chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations held on Monday, said a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure.

- ARCHIS MOHAN

(Clockwise from top) Artistes perform during the 77th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Monday; the Maharashtra tableau rolls past Kartavya Path; and Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Kiren Rijiju during the At-Home reception.

(PHOTOS: PTI)

For almost the entire duration of the 90-minute parade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi explained to the European Union (EU) leadership of von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, who stood on either side of him, the significance of each passing contingent and tableau.

Usually, during the Republic Day parade, only the President of India remains standing to salute the passing contingents, while the Prime Minister and visiting guests are seated. On Monday, however, Modi, along with the two chief guests — von der Leyen, dressed in a Banarasi gold bandhgala jacket, and Costa — stood on the dais as they watched the display. The parade also highlighted India’s strategic autonomy, as it comprised fighter jets, helicopters, military transport aircraft and missile systems from France, the US and Russia.

The PM later said the presence of von der Leyen and Costa “underscores the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership and our commitment to shared values”, and adds momentum to the deepening engagement and cooperation between India and Europe across diverse sectors.