Indians across the world on Monday (January 26, 2026) celebrated the 77th Republic Day with global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron and Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay extending their greetings, highlighting their strong friendship with India.
The Indian diaspora, dressed in vibrant traditional dresses, celebrated the Republic Day at the country’s missions abroad, where the national tricolour was unfurled.
Mr. Trump extended wishes to India on 77th Republic Day and said the ‘U.S.-India share historic bond’.
“On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of India as you celebrate your Republic Day. The United States and India share a historic bond as the world’s oldest and largest democracies,” Mr. Trump said in a message.
Mr. Macron posted his and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s picture on X and said, “What a wonderful memory of the #RepublicDay we shared together in 2024!” “My dear friend @NarendraModi, dear Indian friends, my very best wishes on this great day of celebration. See you in February to continue building together!” the post read.
77th Republic Day: The celebration in pictures
President Droupadi Murmu, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa stand for the national anthem before departing Rashtrapati Bhavan for Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Photo: YouTube/@NarendraModi via PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and European Council President Antonio Costa during the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. Photo: YouTube/@NarendraModi
Indian Air Force helicopters shower flower petals over the audience at Kartavya Path, marking the commencement of the 77th Republic Day Parade flypast. Photo: PTI
Indian Air Force Rafale jets soar in the “Vajraang” formation over Kartavya Path, New Delhi, during the 77th Republic Day Parade. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
An aerial view captures the precision and grandeur of marching contingents as they traverse Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Photo: YT/@NarendraModi via PTI
The major weapon systems showcased at the parade included BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’, Main Battle Tank Arjun and an array of indigenously-built military platforms and hardware. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
A paramilitary contingent marches down Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
In the ceremonial “Dhwaj” formation, four Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters soar over Kartavya Path, trooping the National Flag alongside the ensigns of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Photo: AP
Indian Army contingents, including the newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, march with sharp discipline at Indira Gandhi Sarani during Kolkata’s 77th Republic Day Parade. Photo: PTI
Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) march with precision during the State-level 77th Republic Day celebrations held in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Photo: PTI
A contingent of security forces performs a ceremonial march past as Madhya Pradesh celebrates the 77th Republic Day in Bhopal. Photo: PTI
Schoolgirls walk with portraits of Indian freedom fighters and eminent personalities during a Republic Day ceremonial parade, in Kolkata. Photo: AP
A contingent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police marches with precision during the 77th Republic Day Parade at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. Photo: PTI
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi unfurls the national flag near the Labour Statue on Marina Beach, Chennai, during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Photo: R. Ragu
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot (right) stands with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru. Photo: PTI
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma takes the salute at the Khanikar Parade Ground in Dibrugarh during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Photo: PTI
Artistes from a Meitei cultural troupe perform the vibrant Pung Cholom dance during the State-level 77th Republic Day celebrations at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur. Photo: PTI
Artistes perform alongside the Maharashtra State tableau as it traverses Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Photo: PTI
The 4 BHAIRAV Battalion contingent of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment marches during the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, in New Delhi.
School students take exuberant leaps at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, capturing the spirit of a young and vibrant India. Photo: PTI
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‘Promoting peace’
Greeting his Indian counterpart, Droupadi Murmu, on the Republic Day, President Xi said India-China relations had continued to improve and develop, aligning with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people, and were of great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity.
Mr. Xi emphasised that China had always believed that being good neighbours, friends and partners who help each other succeed, and achieving the “dragon and the elephant dancing together,” was the right choice for both China and India.
Mr. Tobgay extended Republic Day greetings and wished that the “enduring friendship continue to grow stronger.” “I join the people of Bhutan in extending warm Republic Day greetings to PM @narendramodi Ji, the Government and people of India. This joyous occasion celebrates India’s inspiring journey and reflects the close bonds and shared values between our two nations,” he said in a post on X.
In Beijing, Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat unfurled the tricolour and read out extracts of President Murmu’s address to the nation.
The stirring chants of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai resonated in the celebrations as everyone joined in rendering the national song with pride and a spirit of unity, the Indian Embassy in Beijing posted on X.
A thematic exhibition traced the history of Vande Mataram, highlighting its powerful role in uniting the nation during India’s freedom struggles. The programme included several cultural programmes.
In Shanghai, Consul General of India, Pratik Mathur, hoisted the tricolour.
The event was marked by pomp and splendour, and the celebrations were attended by over 400 Friends of India from the local Indian diaspora, Chinese community and the diplomatic and consular corps, including 20 Consul Generals representing European Union friends and partners, a post by the Consulate on X said.
Rubio’s message
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended a special message to India on the occasion of the country’s Republic Day. “On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on your Republic Day,” Mr. Rubio said in the message issued on Sunday.
“The United States and India share a historic bond. From our close cooperation on defence, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies to our multi-layered engagement through the Quad, the U.S.-India relationship delivers real results for our two countries and for the Indo-Pacific region,” Mr. Rubio said, referring to the grouping of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S.
Mr. Rubio said he looked forward to working together with India to “advance our shared objectives in the year ahead.”
In Singapore, Indian High Commissioner Shilpak Ambule led the Indian diaspora community in celebrating Republic Day at the chancery in Singapore.
Dr. Ambule read the President’s address and congratulated over 1,200 members of the community who came with family members at the event on Monday morning, despite the start of the working week.
Students from the Indian schools performed cultural dance played to traditional music, while patriotic songs were played to full applause by the guests. Team members of the Sarang helicopter squad, who have arrived here for the Singapore Airshow next week, joined the Indian community in celebrations at the chancery.
In Japan, the flag was unfurled by Ambassador-designate Nagma M Mallick.
“The Embassy of India, Tokyo, celebrated the 77th Republic Day of India. The celebration began with the unfurling of the National Flag by Ambassador-designate Ms. Nagma M Mallick @IndianEmbTokyo, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and reading of the Hon’ble President of India’s address to the nation,” the embassy said in a post on X.
In Sri Lanka, High Commissioner Santosh Jha unfurled the flag at India House, Colombo. He was joined by members of the Indian diaspora.
“May the Tiranga always fly high!” the Indian High Commission posted on X.
Mr. Jha also paid tributes at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) memorial, honouring the brave Indian soldiers.
“On the occasion of #RepublicDay, High Commissioner @santjha and officers of @IndiainSL paid solemn tributes at Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) memorial, honouring the brave Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of peace and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka,” the post said.
Celebrations resonated with national fervour, as the Sri Lankan Navy performed beloved patriotic tunes.
“Marking 150 years of India’s National Song, #VandeMataram, students of @iccr_colombo paid vibrant tributes through captivating Kathak and Bharatanatyam performances, celebrating its timeless legacy through dance,” the post said.
Also, Sri Lanka’s Leader of the Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa extended greetings to India on the occasion of the Republic Day celebrations.
Mr. Premadasa appreciated the country’s “enduring” commitment to democracy.
“On Indian Republic Day, I extend my warm wishes to the people of India. In a turbulent world, India’s enduring commitment to democracy stands as a reminder that institutions, resilience, and the will of the people still matter. May your republic continue to grow stronger,” he said in a post on X.
