Europe’s power duo—European Council head Antonio Costa and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen—will headline India’s 77th Republic Day as chief guests during their January 25-27 state visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation has been accepted, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming the news Thursday.
Key highlights include co-presiding over the 16th India-EU Leaders’ Summit on January 27, courtesy calls on President Droupadi Murmu, and substantive talks with PM Modi. Side events could feature a high-profile India-EU Trade Forum, spotlighting investment opportunities.
The India-EU strategic partnership, forged in 2004, has evolved robustly. Post the 2022 virtual summit, the landmark EU Commissioners’ tour in February 2025 amplified ties in trade, climate, and innovation.
Experts view this dual-role visit—Republic Day guests and summit co-chairs—as a catalyst for intensified cooperation in trade, defense, and sustainability. Parallelly, FTA negotiations are gaining steam. The January 10 official readout stressed renewed pledges for a win-win pact through pragmatic discussions.
Commerce and Industry Ministry updates from recent talks underscore urgency for an ambitious, mutually beneficial FTA compliant with global trade norms. Minister Piyush Goyal’s Brussels sojourn yielded progress: strategic parleys with Commissioner Maros Sefcovic addressed hurdles in trade security and economics, empowering negotiators to finalize terms expeditiously.
These Brussels breakthroughs affirm both parties’ steely resolve for a landmark agreement. With Republic Day approaching, India’s democratic showcase gains an international flavor, reinforcing bonds with the EU amid geopolitical shifts. This alliance could redefine global supply chains, tech collaborations, and climate action, benefiting billions.