EU Leaders to Grace India's 77th Republic Day as Chief Guests, Eyeing Landmark Trade Deal

Historic Diplomatic Engagement for India's Republic Day

India is set to host a landmark diplomatic event as European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive in New Delhi for a three-day state visit from January 25 to 27, 2026. The two prominent European Union leaders will serve as chief guests for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, marking the first time the EU's executive and political leadership will be jointly honored in this capacity.

The visit, extended at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and the European Union, which was established in 2004.

16th India-EU Summit and Key Bilateral Discussions

Beyond the ceremonial duties of Republic Day, President da Costa and President von der Leyen will co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27. High-level discussions are scheduled with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, encompassing both restricted and delegation-level talks.

A primary focus of these engagements will be the advancement of the long-pending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the EU. Officials have indicated that 20 of the 24 chapters under the proposed FTA have already been finalized, with intense negotiations continuing on the remaining issues. The potential conclusion or significant progress on this trade pact is a key anticipated outcome of the summit.

Strengthening Economic and Strategic Ties

The visit is expected to bolster cooperation across a wide array of sectors, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the India-EU strategic partnership. Key areas of discussion include:

• Trade and Investment: The EU is India's largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $136 billion in 2024-25 and $140 billion in 2024. An India-EU Business Forum is also slated to take place on the sidelines of the summit, bringing together policymakers and business leaders.
• Technology and Innovation: Collaborations in emerging technologies and digital governance are high on the agenda.
• Climate Action and Green Energy: Discussions will cover sustainable development and clean energy transitions.
• Security and Defence: Both sides are exploring a formal Security and Defence Partnership, including cooperation in maritime security, cyber defense, and counter-terrorism.
• Geopolitical Issues: The leaders are expected to forge a broader global agenda, aligning on shared interests in a rules-based international order.

This high-profile visit follows a historic visit by the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025, which significantly accelerated bilateral ties. The participation of the EU's top leadership as Republic Day chief guests, coupled with the summit, is poised to further deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership and advance collaboration in priority areas of mutual interest.