New Delhi: European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be arriving in India for a three-day state visit from January 25th to 27th, 2026. The Presidents of the European Council and European Commission will be the Chief Guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations. This marks the first time that top EU officials have been invited to India's Republic Day in this capacity. The visit highlights India's strategic outreach to Europe amidst global uncertainties.
The EU leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27th. This summit follows the virtual summit held on July 15, 2020. The invitation extended to the Heads of the European Union highlights the strategic importance India places on its partnership with the EU across the geopolitical spectrum. The participation of the EU leaders is expected to further deepen the India-EU strategic partnership and promote collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
During their visit, Presidents Costa and von der Leyen will meet with President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at both restricted and delegation levels. An India-EU Business Forum is also planned on the sidelines of the India-EU Summit.
India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. Their bilateral ties have expanded into various areas, particularly after the EU College of Commissioners' visit to India in February 2025. Trade, security and defense, clean energy transition, and cooperation between people will be high on the agenda for discussion. The EU and India may hold a Summit in New Delhi on 27 January 2026.
Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the EU are at an advanced stage. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that 20 out of 24 chapters under the India-EU FTA have been finalized, with ongoing negotiations addressing the remaining issues. Both parties are actively working to meet the timeline before the leaders' meeting. If the Summit date is confirmed, a final agreement on the FTA is expected to be achieved beforehand.
The Republic Day invitation signals the importance of the EU to India's diplomatic strategy. This visit is considered a strategic move by India to strengthen relations with the EU in trade, investment and business.
The India-EU summit is not only a meeting but a statement of intent to frame the future of a partnership animated by shared values. There are expectations that the summit could see the launch of a defense framework pact enhancing maritime security, cyber defence, and counterterrorism cooperation, plus a new comprehensive strategic agenda on security, sustainability, and connectivity including IMEC, as well as education, skills, and technology.
