New Delhi is gearing up for its 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, with international goodwill pouring in from key diplomatic partners. The French Embassy in India took to social media platform X to convey heartfelt wishes to the people of India on this momentous occasion. Highlighting the strong ties, the embassy noted its honor as the chief guest nation in 2024 and expressed delight over the presence of European Union leaders this year, underscoring a shared vision for peace and prosperity.
In a similar gesture of camaraderie, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi extended warm congratulations to the Government and citizens of India. The message reaffirmed the historic and friendly relations between the two nations, expressing eagerness to expand bilateral cooperation for mutual interests.
The grandeur of Republic Day will unfold along Kartavya Path in the national capital, where President Droupadi Murmu will lead the ceremonies. This year’s chief guests are European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marking a significant milestone in India-EU relations.
Ursula von der Leyen has already arrived in India, received by Union Minister Jitin Prasada. Her visit, alongside Costa, is viewed as a pivotal moment, with speculations rife about an impending free trade agreement (FTA) announcement. Negotiations between India and the EU on the FTA are in their final stages, with officials describing it as the mother of all agreements.
The Ministry of External Affairs welcomed von der Leyen on X, outlining the roadmap for the next phase of the strategic partnership between India and the EU. As the world’s two largest democracies, both sides share a partnership built on mutual trust and common values, promising deeper economic and strategic collaboration in the years ahead.