Who Are Chief Guests For India's Republic Day 2026?

India's Republic Day Parade has evolved into a diplomatic signal, with the choice of chief guests offering a clear snapshot of New Delhi's foreign policy priorities. The latest confirmation for 2026 places Europe at the top, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa jointly attend the parade, underscoring momentum in India-EU free trade talks, digital cooperation and strategic alignment.

Below is a chronological list of Republic Day Parade chief guests since 2015, showing how India's outreach has expanded across major powers, ASEAN, Africa, the Gulf and the European Union.

Republic Day Parade Chief Guests and Strategic Focus

• 2026 - Ursula von der Leyen & António Costa (European Union)

The EU's top leaders share the chief guest role, reflecting India's push for a trade agreement, technology cooperation and stronger Europe ties amid global geopolitical churn.

• 2025 - Prabowo Subianto (Indonesia)

Reinforced India's Indo-Pacific strategy and maritime cooperation, continuing a long-standing focus on ASEAN and Southeast Asia.

• 2024 - Emmanuel Macron (France)

Highlighted deep defence and strategic ties, including Rafale jets, Scorpene submarines and the Horizon 2047 partnership roadmap.

• 2023 - Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt)

Marked the first Egyptian head of state as chief guest, signalling renewed outreach to Africa and North Africa. An Egyptian military contingent marched alongside Indian troops.

• 2021-2022 - No Chief Guest

Invitations were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with scaled-down parades and health restrictions in place.

• 2020 - Jair Bolsonaro (Brazil)

Brought BRICS cooperation, agriculture, biofuels and defence industry ties into focus just before the pandemic disrupted global diplomacy.

• 2019 - Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa)

Emphasised Global South solidarity, historical ties and India's broader engagement with Africa.

• 2018 - Ten ASEAN Leaders (Collective Invitation)

A landmark diplomatic moment marking 25 years of India-ASEAN relations. Leaders from all ten member states attended, reinforcing India's Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision.

• 2017 - Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (United Arab Emirates)

Spotlighted expanding energy ties, infrastructure investment, remittances and strong people-to-people links with the Gulf.

• 2016 - François Hollande (France)

Came as the Rafale fighter jet deal advanced, deepening defence and counter-terrorism cooperation.

• 2015 - Barack Obama (United States)

The first serving US President to attend the Republic Day Parade, marking a major strategic pivot towards closer defence, nuclear and Indo-Pacific cooperation.