Goa, Jan. 22 -- Antonio Costa, President of the European Council and a leader of Goan origin, will be one of the chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Costa, a former Prime Minister of Portugal, traces his roots to Goa through his father, Luis Afonso Maria da Costa, who hailed from Margao. His selection as chief guest is being seen as a symbolic moment highlighting India's deep cultural and historical links with Europe.

Costa has often spoken about his pride in his Goan heritage and had visited his ancestral home in Goa in 2017. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the other chief guest at the celebrations. This year's Republic Day will also mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram,...