EU Leaders to Attend India’s 77th Republic Day Celebrations

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Council President Antonio Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a State Visit to India from January 25 to 27. The two European Union leaders will be the Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, marking a significant milestone in India–EU relations.

State Visit and High-Level Engagements

During the visit, President Costa and President von der Leyen will call on President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted as well as delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. These interactions are expected to review the overall trajectory of India–EU relations and provide strategic direction for future cooperation across political, economic and global issues.

16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi

The two leaders will also co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. The summit will focus on advancing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, technology, climate action, connectivity and global security. An India–EU Business Forum is also expected to be organised on the sidelines to strengthen economic and commercial linkages.

Evolution of the India–EU Strategic Partnership

India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. The 15th India–EU Summit was held virtually on July 15, 2020. Bilateral ties have expanded significantly in recent years, particularly following the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025, which injected fresh momentum into sectoral cooperation and policy alignment.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• India and the European Union became strategic partners in 2004.
• The 16th India–EU Summit will be held on January 27, 2026.
• The European Commission and European Council are key EU institutions.
• EU leaders will be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day.

Significance for Bilateral and Global Cooperation

According to the MEA, the participation of EU leaders as Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations, along with the India–EU Summit, will further deepen the India–EU Strategic Partnership. The visit is expected to advance cooperation in priority areas of mutual interest and reinforce India and the EU’s shared commitment to a rules-based international order.