Republic Day signals India’s geopolitical autonomy and global leadership: experts
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India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations reflected the country’s growing assertion of geopolitical autonomy, particularly in relation to the United States, and highlighted its ambitions in a shifting global order, experts said on Monday.
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were the chief guests at the celebrations, a move seen as underscoring the strengthening partnership between India and the European Union.
Hitesh Jain, managing partner at Parinam Law Associates and former member of the Law Commission, said India has moved beyond being a passive observer in global affairs and has emerged as an anchor. He said India’s resilience rests on three pillars: economic velocity, digital democratisation, and rulemaking, while noting that there remains significant scope for further reforms.
Author and marketing expert Suhel Seth attributed the current global instability to US President Donald Trump, saying the global order was crumbling under his leadership. Seth said India’s strength lies not only in its republican framework but also in its civilisational legacy, which positions it as a stabilising force and a leader of the global south. He described the Republic Day parade as a reflection of progress, pride, resilience, and India’s enduring economic and military strength.
Lawyer and geopolitical expert Navroop Singh said the Republic Day march was a clear assertion of India’s strategic autonomy. He said India was signalling that it would move forward independently, engaging with countries across the world, including the European Union, which represents a major trading bloc.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the presence of the EU leaders highlighted the growing strength of India-EU ties and their shared commitment.
Experts also pointed to a trust deficit in the current geopolitical environment, which they said India could use as an opportunity to position itself not just as a market, but as a reliable global partner.