Republic Day 2026: European Union Delegation To Be Chief Guests, PM Modi Makes BIG Statement On 'Mann Ki Baat'

New Delhi: Even as the entire country gears up to celebrate the 77th Republic Day parade at India Gate on Monday security has been tightened across Delhi and the national capital region (NCR) and several parts of the country.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa, have been invited as the chief guests at Republic Day 2026 along with the other members of the European Union (EU) delegation.

What did PM Modi day on 'Mann ki Baat'?

"Tomorrow, on January 26, we will celebrate our Republic Day. Our Constitution came into effect on this very day. This day, the 26th of January, gives us an opportunity to pay homage to the founding fathers of our Constitution," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during the 130th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, the first episode of the year 2026.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to participate in democratic processes. On Sunday, he said that being a voter is not merely a constitutional privilege, but a crucial duty that empowers every citizen to have a say in shaping India's future. In a letter to 'My-Bharat' volunteers on National Voters' Day, he described voters as the architects of India's development journey. The Prime Minister said, “In a democracy, being a voter is both a privilege and a great responsibility. Voting is a constitutional right and symbolizes the participation of citizens in the future of India.”

PM Modi said, “The voter is the architect of our development journey. The indelible ink on the finger on polling day signifies that our democracy is vibrant and its purpose is profound.” National Voters' Day is celebrated every year on January 25th in India, coinciding with the founding day of the Election Commission of India. Modi said, “Many of your friends or relatives may be young people who are becoming voters for the first time. This is a very important moment in their lives. First-time voters should be wholeheartedly welcomed into democracy because they have the potential to change the destiny of the country.”

What did PM Modi say on 'Start Up India'?

Recalling the journey of Startup India, Prime Minister Modi said,"we launched Startup India 10 years ago in 2016. The innovations made by the youth of the country for this initiative are being recorded in history. India is becoming the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. Indian startups are working in various sectors, from AI, space, and nuclear energy to semiconductors. I salute all the young people who are involved with startups or want to start one."

Speaking about the country's growing economy, Prime Minister Modi said that the country's economy is growing rapidly." In such a scenario, it is our responsibility to emphasize quality. We must give utmost importance to quality and focus on it. Let us resolve to improve quality. Quality should be the hallmark of our Indian products," he asserted.