New Delhi – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen captivated observers at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations by embracing Indian ethnic wear that perfectly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sophistication, making a powerful statement of cultural appreciation and diplomatic elegance on the global stage.
Distinguished Chief Guests at Republic Day 2026
India welcomed two prominent European leaders as chief guests during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council António Luís Santos da Costa arrived on a state visit to India from January 25 to 27. On the morning of January 26, both dignitaries appeared on Kartavya Path alongside President of India Droupadi Murmu to witness the grand Republic Day parade, with von der Leyen’s choice of Indian ethnic wear becoming a highlight of the ceremonial occasion.
While Santos da Costa maintained a traditional diplomatic appearance with a dark, sharp-cut suit appropriate for the cold winter morning, it was von der Leyen who elevated her fashion choices to honor the significance of the occasion through her selection of Indian ethnic wear.
The Exquisite Indian Ethnic Wear Ensemble
Von der Leyen’s attire demonstrated a masterclass in Indo-European fusion fashion. She selected a sophisticated, high-collared jacket that showcased the finest elements of Indian ethnic wear traditions. The garment featured rich brocade work with metallic gold embroidery set against a deep maroon base, creating a striking visual impact that honored Indian textile heritage while maintaining contemporary elegance.
The material of this Indian ethnic wear piece appeared to be Benarasi silk, a fabric that stands synonymous with Indian heritage and craftsmanship. Benarasi silk, originating from the ancient city of Varanasi, represents centuries of weaving tradition and is considered one of the finest textiles in Indian ethnic wear collections. The choice of this particular fabric demonstrated von der Leyen’s understanding and appreciation of India’s rich textile legacy.
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Intricate Zari Work and Craftsmanship
The star element of von der Leyen’s Indian ethnic wear was undoubtedly the intricate Zari work that adorned the entire jacket. Zari refers to threads of gold or silver woven into fabric, a traditional embellishment technique that has defined Indian ethnic wear for generations. The ornate, raised patterns showcased classic Indian floral motifs set in a dense, regal texture that covered the entire piece.
This elaborate Zari work represented hours of skilled craftsmanship by Indian artisans, with each thread carefully woven to create the three-dimensional effect characteristic of premium Indian ethnic wear. The metallic gold threading caught the light beautifully during the outdoor parade, creating a luminous effect that enhanced the ceremonial atmosphere of the Republic Day celebrations.
Styling and Presentation
The European Commission President’s approach to wearing Indian ethnic wear demonstrated sophisticated fashion sensibility. The ornate jacket was thoughtfully paired with white trousers, a styling choice that allowed the bold texture and intricate detailing of the Indian ethnic wear to remain the undisputed focal point of the ensemble. This pairing created a balanced look that was neither overwhelming nor understated.
Von der Leyen kept accessories minimal, recognizing that the Indian ethnic wear itself provided sufficient visual interest. She opted for sophisticated gold stud earrings that complemented the metallic gold Zari work without competing for attention. This restrained approach to accessorizing allowed the craftsmanship of the Indian ethnic wear to speak for itself while maintaining diplomatic elegance appropriate for the state occasion.
Fashion Diplomacy and Cultural Appreciation
The selection of Indian ethnic wear by such a prominent international leader carries significant diplomatic symbolism. Von der Leyen’s choice to embrace traditional Indian craftsmanship during the Republic Day celebrations demonstrated respect for Indian culture and served as a gesture of goodwill between the European Union and India. Fashion diplomacy, particularly the wearing of host country attire by visiting dignitaries, has long been recognized as a meaningful form of cultural exchange.
By choosing authentic Indian ethnic wear featuring traditional techniques like Benarasi silk weaving and Zari embroidery, von der Leyen highlighted the importance of preserving traditional crafts while showcasing their contemporary relevance on the world stage. Her ensemble became a talking point that transcended mere fashion, representing the strengthening ties between India and the European Union.
European Union Military Presence
The diplomatic significance of the occasion extended beyond fashion. The presence of the European Union contingent in the Republic Day parade alongside India’s armed forces added substantial diplomatic weight to the 2026 celebrations. Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt led the EU military representation on board a ceremonial Gypsy, acting on behalf of the Director General of the European Union Military Staff, Michiel van der Laan.
Von der Leyen’s choice of Indian ethnic wear, combined with this military representation, symbolized the deepening partnership between India and the European Union across multiple dimensions—cultural, economic, and strategic—marking the 77th Republic Day as a milestone in Indo-European relations.
