Ursula von der Leyen, the influential President of the European Council, stepped onto Indian soil on Saturday, officially kicking off a landmark visit. Union Minister Jitin Prasad extended a red-carpet welcome at the airport, setting a tone of camaraderie. With Republic Day just days away, von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will grace the occasion as chief guests—a rare honor that elevates India-EU bonds.
Whispers of a breakthrough in free trade agreement negotiations are growing louder. Sources indicate the deal is nearing completion, poised to reshape trade dynamics and foster investment flows. The MEA underscored this on X, portraying the partnership as rooted in democratic ethos and mutual confidence.
Simultaneously, Kaja Kallas, EU’s foreign affairs chief, arrived for her inaugural official trip. ‘A timely visit to accelerate our strategic partnership,’ remarked MEA’s Randhir Jaiswal, pointing to intensified high-level exchanges. These concurrent arrivals signal a concerted EU effort to deepen engagement with India amid global uncertainties.
Beyond the pageantry of Republic Day, substantive talks on sustainability, tech transfers, and security are on the agenda. This diplomatic surge comes as both sides navigate post-pandemic recovery and geopolitical shifts, promising a robust framework for collaboration. India’s Republic Day 2025 will thus not only celebrate its constitution but also herald stronger transcontinental alliances.