EU Chief Arrives in Delhi for Republic Day, Historic Trade Deal on Horizon

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi to be the chief guest at India’s 77th Republic Day celebration on January 26, 2026.
• Leyen and European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa will also represent the EU at the 16th EU-India Summit on January 27.
• The summit is expected to discuss major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, potentially leading to a "mother of all deals" between the EU and India.
• Leyen previously stated that an EU-India FTA could create a market of nearly two billion people and account for almost a quarter of global GDP.
• A "Security and Defence Strategic Partnership" is also set to be unveiled and signed by EU's HRVP Kaja Kallas and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marking the EU's third such agreement in Asia.

Why It Matters: EU leaders are in India for Republic Day and crucial talks on a historic trade and security partnership.