India-EU Summit: Trade, Defence, Mobility Pacts on Agenda

• India and the EU will announce a free trade agreement, a defence partnership pact, and a mobility framework for Indian professionals at the upcoming summit.
• European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests at Republic Day, with the summit following on January 27.
• A military contingent from the EU will participate in the Republic Day parade, marking its first such event outside Europe.
• The summit will address global challenges including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East situation, and Venezuela's political developments.
• The EU is India's largest trade partner, with bilateral goods trade at USD 135 billion in FY 2023-24; the FTA aims to significantly boost these ties.

Why It Matters: India and the EU are set to deepen ties across trade, defence, and mobility at their upcoming summit.