European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the global benefits of India's success, highlighting the strengthening ties between India and Europe. Her remarks came as she and European Council President Antonio Costa attended India's 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as chief guests.

Von der Leyen stated that "A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit". She also expressed it was "the honor of a lifetime" for her and Costa to be chief guests at the Republic Day parade. Following the celebrations, von der Leyen shared a video on X, stating, "Long live India. Long live the friendship between Europe and India".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership, emphasizing the shared values and commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors. He noted that the presence of von der Leyen and Costa at the Republic Day celebrations underscored this partnership.

These events occurred ahead of the India-EU summit, where a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was formally announced. The EU Council stated that the EU and India together represent almost one-fifth of global trade and that in 2024, EU-India trade in goods exceeded €120 billion. The FTA is expected to further improve India's economic integration with the EU. Von der Leyen mentioned in Davos that the FTA could create a market of around two billion people, accounting for nearly a quarter of global GDP.

The EU and India are also expected to sign a security and defence partnership, which von der Leyen described as a potential "game-changer". Additionally, they are expected to adopt a 2026-2030 joint comprehensive strategic agenda and an agreement to promote mobility.

Ursula von der Leyen's visit to India, along with the presence of the EU military contingent in the Republic Day parade, signals a deepening of security cooperation and the strengthening of the strategic partnership between India and the European Union.