India celebrated its 77th Republic Day yesterday, with its annual Republic Day parade held at Delhi’s Kartavya Path. Among the chief guests were European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen along with President Droupadi Murmu.
The parade marked the different powers of India, whether it be its military or culture and national pride. However, amid it all, the outfit that EU President was wearing, managed to garner a lot of attention.
The outfit was a departure from her usual western styled pants and suit, instead reflecting Indian textile and styles.
Her wardrobe choices, inclding a rich Banarasi brocade bandhgala jacket, were widely discussed. They showcased respect for Indian culture while subtly reinforcing the deepening ties between India and the European Union especially in light of the historic trade-agreement visit.
What Was The EU Chief Wearing?
President Droupadi Murmu arrived at the Republic Day parade held at Delhi’s Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026 in a traditional horse-drawn buggy along with the event’s chief guests, President of the European Council António Lus Santos da Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
The EU chief posted on her X/Twitter page before the parade that “It is the honour of a lifetime to be Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous, and secure. And we all benefit.”
However, it was Von der Leyen’s outfit that caught the attention of many, particularly of how it managed to bind together her political presence along with cultural harmony.
Seen wearing a maroon-and-gold Banarasi silk brocade bandhgala jacket paired with off-white trousers, it was the use of Indian textile and fashion that gave its own statement of diplomacy.
According to reports, the ensemble was designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh, as confirmed by FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi. Singh’s design is said to have highlighted Indian craftsmanship on a global stage, a gesture many saw as befitting the importance and dignity of the Republic Day event.
Singh, speaking with HT City said, “The textile is from Banaras, it is a Banarasi brocade. It boldly represents Indian heritage and craftsmanship and is a tribute to the weavers. It was her choice to wear Indian, which is a remarkable gesture and signifies the positive relationship between the EU and India.”
No official information has come out about the exact price of the attire, however, given the stature of the event and the bespoke nature of the garment from a major Indian designer, one can assume that it was custom-made.
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Ursula von der Leyen’s choice to wear traditional Indian attire was widely interpreted as a thoughtful diplomatic gesture that underscored respect for Indian culture on one of the nation’s most symbolic days.
Designer Anju Modi commenting on this said, “The look feels global, not strictly Indian or Western. A bandhgala is an international silhouette, and pairing it with Banarasi brocade, cut so beautifully, shows deep respect for the country and its weaving heritage. It’s encouraging to see our craft being appreciated on such a global platform.”
While Designer Rina Dhaka notes, “It’s a mark of respect towards our rich fashion history and an encouragement to Indian designers like Pratap. Years ago, Christine Lagarde (President of the European Central Bank) visited my store and purchased something, it felt wonderful to have global leaders acknowledge our work.”
Veteran couturier Suneet Varma added, “Rajesh has been a champion of Indian textiles, constantly reinventing how modern India engages with heritage fabrics. The red-and-gold Banarasi jacket she wore is a perfect example of how Indian textiles can be styled in a contemporary, global way.
In the context of the European Union, this was a powerful visual statement of the future of Indian fashion.”
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Hindustan Times, Firstpost, India Today
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This post is tagged under: Ursula, European Commission President, European Commission President india, EU chief, Ursula von der Leyen, Ursula von der Leyen india, Ursula von der Leyen republic day, republic day, republic day parade, republic day chief guest, republic day 2026, republic day chief guest 2026
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