Republic Day Chief Guests: A Historical Overview from 1950 to 2026

• India's Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path showcases cultural heritage, military strength, and global partnerships.
• Since 1950, India has invited foreign heads of state or government as chief guests, reflecting its foreign policy priorities.
• Notable chief guests include Sukarno (1950), Queen Elizabeth II (1961), Nelson Mandela (1995), Vladimir Putin (2007), and Barack Obama (2015).
• The 77th Republic Day will feature European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa as chief guests, marking a significant shift in India-EU engagement.
• This invitation highlights India's growing recognition of the EU as a strategic partner and aims to strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership.

Why It Matters: Republic Day chief guests reflect India's evolving foreign policy and global partnerships since 1950.