New Delhi, Jan 26 (.) As India celebrated the 77th Republic Day on Monday with a grand showcase of democracy, culture, and national pride, a European union contingent at Kartavya Path added a powerful international dimension to the festivities.

Against the backdrop of the theme “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram”-celebrating 150 years of the national song-the participation of the EU symbolised institutional unity and an increasing operational role in supporting international maritime security, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between India and the European Union.

The European Union’s military presence at India’s Republic Day parade was showcased through three ceremonial Gypsy vehicles. The EU military delegation was led by Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt, representing the Director General of the European union Military Staff (EUMS), and participated aboard one of the ceremonial vehicles.

One of the Gypsies, positioned alongside the second ceremonial jeep, displayed the flag of the European union along with that of the European union Military Staff. The display symbolised the collective unity of the EU’s 27 member states and the role of the EUMS as the EU’s permanent military body within its security and defence architecture.

Another vehicle, aligned with the first ceremonial jeep, carried the flags of EU Naval Force ATALANTA and EU Naval Force ASPIDES. These naval missions, conducted under the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy, operate in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions and reflect the EU’s active role in safeguarding international maritime security.

This year’s celebrations combined the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram with displays of India’s developmental achievements, military capability, cultural diversity, and widespread public participation.

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