Republic Day India : How is the Chief Guest for Republic Day chosen? Learn the entire process
It has finally been confirmed who will be the chief guest for the country's 77th Republic Day celebration this year. Senior leaders of the European Union (EU) will be the chief guests at India's Republic Day event this year. This includes the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. According to media reports, this decision is seen as an important step towards strengthening strategic, political, and economic relations between India and the European Union.
Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen will be on a three-day visit to India from January 25 to 27, 2026. During this visit, they will participate in the India-EU summit, attend various events related to Republic Day, and hold important bilateral discussions with India's senior leadership.
The tradition of inviting foreign chief guests for Republic Day in India has been ongoing since 1950. This tradition has continued uninterrupted since the first Republic Day was celebrated, and being the chief guest for Republic Day is considered a great honor for leaders of any country or international organization.
How is the Chief Guest selected?
The process of selecting the Chief Guest for Republic Day begins about six months before the main event. This process is carried out with utmost confidentiality and consideration. According to India's former ambassador Manbir Singh, several important factors are deeply considered when selecting the Chief Guest.
This includes the diplomatic relations of the concerned country or organization with India, political, military, and economic cooperation, the global significance of that country or leader, as well as the priorities in India's foreign policy. After studying all these factors, the Ministry of External Affairs makes the final recommendation, and then the name of the Chief Guest is confirmed.
Honor and respect given to the Chief Guest Throughout the Republic Day ceremony, the Chief Guest is given special honor. They are given a 21-gun salute and honored with a Guard of Honor at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. During the three-day visit, a special welcome ceremony is organized by the President. Additionally, the Chief Guest visits Rajghat to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The Prime Minister organizes a special event in their honor, attended by the Foreign Minister, Vice President, as well as senior ministers and officials. This year, the honor given to the leadership of the European Union clearly indicates that India-EU relations are moving to a new level.