New Delhi, Jan. 28 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday received Antonio Costa, President of the European Council and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at Rashtrapati Bhavan and hosted a banquet in their honour.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval were among the leaders present.

Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, was among the invitees, along with leaders from various fields.

Welcoming the European Union leaders, the President said that their presence as Chief Guests on Republic Day, marking the first participation of the European Union in India's Republic Day celebrations, holds special significance, reflecting the depth of "mutual...