THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 25, 2026

On the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday met European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, setting the stage for a high-profile diplomatic engagement expected to inject fresh momentum into the India-European Union strategic partnership. With the two European leaders serving as the Chief Guests at this year’s Republic Day celebration, the visit has underscored the growing political, economic and strategic convergence between New Delhi and Brussels.

Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, Jaishankar expressed optimism that their forthcoming talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would mark a defining moment in bilateral ties. “Delighted to welcome President European Council President Antonio Costa and President European Commission Ursula von der Leyen to India. A great privilege to have them as Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations,” the External Affairs Minister posted on X. “Confident that their upcoming discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will herald a new chapter in India - European Union relations,” he added.

Costa and von der Leyen were accorded a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour in the national capital on Sunday, reflecting the significance India attaches to the visit. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada received President Costa upon his arrival in New Delhi for his state visit. Highlighting the spirit of cooperation, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X, “India-EU: A partnership of Trust and Reliability. A cordial welcome to the President of the European Council Antonio Costa as he arrives in New Delhi for a State Visit to India.”

Jaiswal further noted that both European leaders, as Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations, are expected to play a pivotal role in deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership. President Costa, sharing his thoughts upon arrival, said he was “honoured” to be in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit on the eve of Republic Day. “Honoured to arrive in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit, on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. Celebrating a strong and growing EU-India partnership—from trade and security to the clean transition and vibrant people-to-people connections,” he posted.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who arrived in India on Saturday, was also received by MoS Jitin Prasada, signalling the importance both sides attach to economic and technological cooperation. In an official statement, the European Council said that Costa and von der Leyen will represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit to be hosted by Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on January 27.

Ahead of the summit, Costa described India as “a crucial partner for the EU,” noting that both sides share the “capacity and responsibility to protect the rules-based international order.” The European Council said the summit would provide an opportunity to build on the strategic partnership and strengthen collaboration across key areas such as trade, security and defence, clean energy transition and people-to-people ties.

Leaders at the summit are expected to adopt a joint EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda aimed at expanding cooperation across four broad sectors — prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defence, and connectivity and global issues. Trade will feature prominently, particularly in the context of ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement that began in 2007. Discussions are also expected on regional and global challenges, including the Indo-Pacific, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Middle East, reaffirming the shared commitment of India and the EU to multilateralism and global stability.