New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) The President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, along with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, expressed their admiration after witnessing the 77th Republic Day festivities as Chief Guests, extending their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the invitation.

Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that the presence of the flags representing the European Union, the EU Military Staff, and the maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES during India's Republic Day is a testament to the strengthening security ties between both parties.

She also shared a video on social media, showcasing the European contingent in the parade, complete with flag bearers representing the EU and military insignias. The clip featured Prime Minister Modi welcoming her at Kartavya Path.

In the social media post accompanying the video, Leyen remarked, "The visibility of the EU flags, EU Military Staff, and our maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES at India’s Republic Day serves as a strong symbol of our advancing security partnership. This will be further solidified tomorrow with the signing of our Security and Defence Partnership."

As tradition dictates, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa were escorted to Kartavya Path by the esteemed President's Bodyguard, marking a revival of a custom that had been absent for 40 years. They arrived in a Traditional Buggy, adding a touch of elegance to the event.

"A heartfelt thanks to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for welcoming the European Union to this year's stunning Republic Day parade. It was a magnificent tribute to India's rich history and its diverse cultural tapestry, embodying its future aspirations," Costa posted on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the presence of EU leaders at the Republic Day celebrations as a significant milestone for India-EU relations.

"For the first time, a contingent of the EU Military Staff and the EU Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES took part in the Republic Day Parade," the MEA remarked.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Republic Day festivities, commencing with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by the National Anthem and a resounding 21-gun salute utilizing indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.

Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen are set to represent the EU at the forthcoming 16th EU-India summit, which Prime Minister Modi will host in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The European Council affirmed that the summit will serve as a platform to enhance the EU-India strategic partnership and further bolster collaboration in essential policy areas including trade, security, defence, clean transition, and people-to-people engagement.

During the summit, leaders are anticipated to adopt a comprehensive strategic agenda aimed at enhancing cooperation in four sectors, supported by key enablers: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, and connectivity addressing global issues.

Furthermore, discussions will include trade concerning the ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement that commenced in 2007. The summit will emphasize closer cooperation between the EU and India on security and defence, while also addressing regional and global challenges, particularly the significance of a robust multilateral system, a prosperous Indo-Pacific, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the situation in the Middle East.