List of Chief Guests of Republic Day India (1950-2025)

Republic Day in India occurs annually on January 26. This date marks when India’s Constitution became effective in 1950. A central element of the parade is the presence of a distinguished foreign dignitary. This practice reinforces India’s bilateral ties and global standing. Understanding the Republic Day chief guest history India is essential for general knowledge and competitive exam preparation.

On 26th January 2026, India will celebrate its Republic Day, marking the 77th anniversary of the Constitution coming into effect. The celebrations will feature the joint EU leaders, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, as Chief Guests, highlighting India–EU strategic ties.

Chief Guests of Republic Day 2026

The Chief Guests of Republic Day 2026 are the top leaders of the European Union (EU):

• Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission.
• António Costa – President of the European Council

This is the first time India has invited EU leaders as joint Chief Guests for Republic Day, highlighting the importance of India–EU strategic and diplomatic ties.

Republic Day Chief Guest Significance

The Republic Day Chief Guest holds great diplomatic and symbolic significance for India, as the invited foreign leader represents the country with which India seeks to strengthen strategic, political, or economic ties. The selection reflects India’s foreign policy priorities and sends a clear message of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect to the international community. It also highlights India’s global stature, shared democratic values, and commitment to international partnerships, while providing an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations through cultural, defence, and trade engagements.

Republic Day Chief Guests List (1950-2025)

The tradition of inviting international leaders as the chief guest highlights India’s diplomatic engagement. Each year’s choice reflects current geopolitical strategies and bilateral relations. The complete list of chief guests of Republic Day India from 1950 to 2025 is a chronicle of these partnerships. The table below presents this significant Republic Day chief guest year wise list.

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Foreign Dignitaries as Republic Day Chief Guests

• India invites foreign leaders as Chief Guests to strengthen diplomatic, trade, defense, and cultural ties.
  
• Notable guests include Sukarno (Indonesia, 1950), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia, 1974), Nelson Mandela (South Africa, 1995), Barack Obama (USA, 2015), Emmanuel Macron (France, 2024).
  
• Republic Day 2026 marks the first time EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa attend as joint Chief Guests, highlighting India–EU strategic partnership.
  
• The tradition reflects India’s global stature, friendship, and international cooperation.

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Republic Day Chief Guest Facts

Here are the key facts about the Chief Guests of Republic Day India 2026:

• The Chief Guests for Republic Day 2026 are the top leaders of the European Union.
• Specifically, Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and António Costa (President of the European Council) are attending as joint Chief Guests.
• This is the first time India has invited EU leaders as joint Chief Guests for Republic Day.
• Their invitation reflects India’s focus on strengthening India–EU strategic, trade, and defence ties.
• Republic Day 2026 marks India’s 77th Republic Day, celebrating the adoption of the Constitution on 26 January 1950.
• The presence of EU leaders highlights India’s global diplomatic engagement and international partnerships.

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