European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi on Saturday, January 24, 2026, kicking off a high-level visit ahead of the India EU summit. Joined by European Council President Antonio Costa on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the leaders will attend Republic Day as chief guests and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, January 27, 2026, focusing on trade and security.
The India EU summit underscores deepening strategic ties between the world’s two largest democracies, offering South Asian economies enhanced access to European markets and fostering regional stability amid global uncertainties.
Ursula von der Leyen India Visit Marks Milestone
Ursula von der Leyen landed in New Delhi on Saturday, January 24, 2026, for a four-day state visit. Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada received her at the airport. This Ursula von der Leyen India visit aims to solidify initiatives expanding India-EU relations before the summit.
Antonio Costa arrived on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Both EU leaders will serve as chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day parade on Monday, January 26, 2026. This marks the first time EU presidents have been honoured in this role, highlighting the elevated partnership.
The summit on Monday, January 27, 2026, will involve discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key agenda items include trade, security, defence, clean energy transition, and people-to-people cooperation.
India EU Trade Deal Nears Completion
Negotiations for the India EU trade deal have progressed significantly. The India EU free trade agreement is expected to be announced as concluded during the summit. This follows years of talks, with both sides aiming to resolve remaining issues.
In a post on X, Ursula von der Leyen stated: “The mother of all trade deals. We are closing in on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement. See you soon in Delhi.”
The India EU trade deal would reduce tariffs on goods, benefiting sectors like automobiles, textiles, and jewellery. India’s exports to the EU stood at $76 billion in the financial year 2024-25, with imports at $60 billion, totalling $136 billion. The EU remains India’s largest trading partner in goods.
Antonio Costa noted in an official statement: “India is a crucial partner for the EU. Together, we share the capacity and responsibility to protect the rules-based international order. This meeting will be a key opportunity to build on our partnership and drive progress in our cooperation.”
The summit occurs amid concerns over disruptions from the Trump administration’s economic and security policies, prompting closer India-EU alignment.
Strategic Defence and Mobility Frameworks Beyond trade, the India EU summit is set to firm up a strategic defence partnership pact. This would enhance cooperation in security and defence technologies.
A framework for mobility of Indian professionals is also anticipated, facilitating skilled worker movement between India and the EU. This aligns with broader people-to-people ties, including education and skilling.
The EU-India strategic partnership, rooted in mutual trust and shared values, has strengthened in recent years. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: “Charting the next phase of the India-EU Strategic partnership. A warm welcome to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on her State Visit to India. As the world’s two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values.”
Background
India-EU relations date back to the 1960s, with formal diplomatic ties established in 1962. The strategic partnership was launched in 2004 at the fifth India EU summit in The Hague.
Trade negotiations for the India EU free trade agreement began in 2007 but stalled in 2013 over issues like tariffs and intellectual property. Talks resumed in 2022, with 18 rounds completed by late 2025.
The EU’s new strategic agenda for India, approved by the Council in October 2025, focuses on prosperity, technology, security, and global issues. This sets the stage for the 16th India EU summit.
Bilateral trade has grown steadily. From $88 billion in 2019-20, it reached $136 billion in 2024-25, driven by sectors like engineering goods, pharmaceuticals, and gems.
Recent high-level engagements include Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brussels in 2025 and virtual summits during the pandemic. These have expanded cooperation in areas like climate action and digital innovation.
The Ursula von der Leyen India visit builds on these foundations, addressing shared challenges such as supply chain resilience and green hydrogen development.
In South Asia, the India EU trade deal could influence regional dynamics. Neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh may seek similar EU access, potentially boosting SAARC-EU interactions. However, details on regional impact require further analysis.
The summit also aligns with India’s Act East policy and the EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy, countering geopolitical tensions.
What’s Next
Post-summit, implementation of the India EU free trade agreement will involve ratification processes, expected to take 12-18 months. Joint working groups will oversee defence and mobility frameworks.
Follow-up meetings are planned for 2027, with potential focus on investment protection. Both sides aim to double trade volumes by 2030, targeting $200 billion.
The India EU summit represents a pivotal step, promising economic growth and strategic convergence for years ahead.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 25th, 2026
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