In pictures | Delhi’s Republic Day tableaux steal the spotlight

Across the country, the 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, as President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the national flag at Kartavya Path in the national capital, New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes at the National War Memorial before proceeding to unfurl the national flag. This year’s Republic Day celebrations were held with a special focus on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram and themes linked to Operation Sindhoor.

As is customary every year, a foreign dignitary was invited as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations. This year, the event was graced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa as the distinguished foreign guests.

They were accorded a ceremonial welcome with a 21-gun salute and a Guard of Honour, in keeping with tradition. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will also represent the European Union at the 16th India–European Union Summit, scheduled to be held tomorrow.

During this summit, key discussions on a significant free trade agreement and the much-anticipated “Mother of All Deals” are expected to take place. Upon arrival in Delhi, the visiting dignitaries were received by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who held bilateral talks with them.

On the occasion of Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries extended their greetings to the people of India. Posting on social media platform X, PM Modi wished all citizens a very happy Republic Day, conveying his warm greetings to the nation.

He further added that this national festival, a symbol of India’s pride and grandeur, should fill everyone’s life with new energy and enthusiasm, and that the resolve for a developed India should grow even stronger.