First time both top EU leaders jointly participate in India’s Republic Day parade on 26 January

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will arrive in New Delhi on January 25 for a three-day official visit to participate as chief guests in India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.

This is the first time in Indian history that both top leaders of the European Union will jointly attend the Republic Day parade on January 26. The 16th India-European Union Summit will be held in New Delhi on January 27, co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa.

This summit presents an important opportunity to give a new dimension to the strategic partnership between India and the European Union, especially at a time when both sides are emphasizing accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement will promote cooperation in trade, investment, green technology, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and supply chains.