New Delhi is set to host two of Europe’s most prominent leaders for its 77th Republic Day celebrations. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will arrive on a three-day state visit from January 25 to 27, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs announced this on Thursday, highlighting a significant boost to India-EU ties.
Both leaders will serve as chief guests at the grand Republic Day parade on January 27, a rare honor that underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and the European Union. This visit comes at a pivotal moment, as they will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit scheduled for the same day.
During their stay, Costa and von der Leyen are expected to hold bilateral meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and engage in both restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. Discussions will likely cover key areas of mutual interest, including trade, technology, and security. There’s also buzz about a potential India-EU Business Forum on the sidelines of the summit, aimed at fostering stronger economic linkages.
India and the EU have been strategic partners since 2004, with their relationship gaining fresh momentum after the European Commission’s College of Commissioners’ historic visit to India in February 2025. The previous 15th India-EU Summit in 2022 was held virtually, but this in-person gathering promises concrete advancements.
Foreign Ministry officials emphasized that the presence of EU leaders at Republic Day and the summit will further solidify the strategic partnership, propelling cooperation in critical sectors. On the trade front, recent diplomatic efforts have renewed commitments to finalize a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Official statements from January 10 reaffirmed political resolve to resolve pending issues through constructive dialogue.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s recent two-day visit to Brussels marked a breakthrough in FTA negotiations. He held high-level talks with European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, focusing on trade and economic security. Directives were issued to negotiators to iron out differences swiftly, signaling strong political will from both sides for a fair, balanced, and ambitious deal aligned with shared values and rules-based trade.
These intensive diplomatic engagements in Brussels have illuminated the robust intent to clinch a comprehensive trade pact. As India prepares for Republic Day, this visit not only celebrates shared democratic values but also lays the groundwork for a transformative economic alliance with Europe, promising growth and stability in an uncertain global landscape.
