European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made a striking style statement at India’s 77th Republic Day parade when she chose to wear a traditional Indian outfit which combined various elements of Indian fashion into a single modern design.

The event festivities began when Von the Leyen arrived wearing a maroon-and-gold brocade bandhgala jacket and off-white trousers. The outfit combined traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern sophisticated design to match the important ceremony which took place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.

Her clothing selection represented a deliberate shift from her normal international-event wardrobe which people interpreted as a tribute to Indian cultural traditions. Her outfit during the parade showcased national pride together with Republic Day heritage and festive celebrations through its design.

Droupadi Murmu and António Luís Santos da Costa and I arrived at Kartavya Path through a traditional horse-drawn buggy which von der Leyen shared with President Droupadi Murmu and European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa. The chief guest position exists as “the honour of a lifetime” to her while she established that India’s progress results in global stability and prosperity and security.

The ceremonial buggy procession which the President’s Bodyguard escorted began the parade which shows one of India’s most traditional Republic Day celebrations.

Ursula von der Leyen became the first female European Commission President when she assumed office in 2019 and her second term will continue until 2029 after her July 2024 re-election. The German government appointed her to multiple vital ministerial roles between 2005 and 2019 before she started her official duties in Brussels.

Her four-day trip to India occurs before the upcoming 16th India-EU Summit which will take place later this week. The visit functions as a vital advancement that will strengthen New Delhi and Brussels political and economic and strategic partnerships.