EU Leaders Touch Down in New Delhi for Republic Day Celebrations and Strategic Summit
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, marking the beginning of a significant state visit that underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union. She was warmly received at the airport by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, setting the stage for a series of high-level engagements.
Historic Republic Day Participation and Summit Agenda
President von der Leyen, alongside European Council President António Luis Santos da Costa, has been invited as chief guest for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday. This prestigious invitation highlights the deepening diplomatic ties between the two major global entities.
Beyond the ceremonial events, the two European leaders will represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled for January 27th in the national capital. According to an official press statement from the European Council, they will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build upon the existing strategic partnership and enhance collaboration across multiple critical policy areas.
"Trade, security and defence, the clean transition and people-to-people cooperation will top the agenda of the discussions," the statement emphasized, pointing toward comprehensive bilateral engagement.
"On the Cusp of a Historic Trade Agreement"
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week, President von der Leyen made a significant declaration regarding trade relations: "We are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement (with India)." This sentiment was echoed by Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who described the proposed free trade agreement as "the mother of all deals."
The push for expanded market access comes at a crucial time, as both India and the EU navigate tightening global trade conditions influenced by US tariffs and Chinese export restrictions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reinforced this need during a meeting with EU member state ambassadors on Thursday, highlighting the importance of closer cooperation to "derisk the world economy" in response to unpredictable US policies.
Both economies have felt the impact of the trade approach under US President Donald Trump. India faces tariff rates as high as 50% on certain exports to the United States, while the EU has yet to ratify a trade arrangement with Washington that has been criticized for being imbalanced.
Strengthening Economic and Strategic Bonds
Prior to the arrival of the two Republic Day chief guests, EU Vice-President Kaja Kallas landed in New Delhi on Saturday for her first official visit to India. According to reports from news agency ANI, Kallas described India as "indispensable" to Europe's economic and strategic future. The 27-nation bloc has also advanced a new security and defence partnership with India, signaling broader cooperation beyond trade.
Together, India and the European Union represent approximately:
- A quarter of the global population
- A quarter of the world's gross domestic product
EU data reveals that bilateral trade in goods reached 120 billion euros in 2024, marking an impressive increase of nearly 90% over the past decade. Additionally, trade in services amounted to an extra 60 billion euros, showcasing the multifaceted nature of their economic relationship.
Profile of Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen has served as President of the European Commission since 2019. Born on October 8, 1958, in Brussels to a Turkish-German family of mixed heritage, she is a medical doctor by profession. Her political career in Germany included serving as:
- Family Affairs and Labour Minister
- Defence Minister between 2013 and 2019
Itinerary of President von der Leyen in India
The detailed schedule for the European Commission President's visit includes:
- January 24, 2026: Arrival in New Delhi
- January 25, 2026: Meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar alongside European Council President António Costa
- January 26, 2026: Participation in India's 77th Republic Day Parade celebrations; meeting with President Droupadi Murmu
- January 27, 2026: Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; participation in the EU-India Business Forum; attendance at a banquet hosted by President Murmu; meeting with Vice President CP Radhakrishnan; participation in the 16th EU-India Summit
This visit represents a pivotal moment in EU-India relations, with potential breakthroughs in trade agreements and strengthened strategic partnerships on the horizon.
