India-EU Trade Deal Deadline Nears: Republic Day to Bring Good News?

• European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations.
• The visit aims to finalize the long-pending Free Trade Agreement during the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27.
• Beyond trade, a Defense Framework Agreement and a new Strategic Agenda focusing on security, technology, connectivity, and innovation are also expected.
• The new Strategic Agenda will prioritize security and defense, connectivity, global issues, prosperity, sustainability, technology, and innovation.
• Cooperation will extend to maritime security, cyber defense, counter-terrorism, and regional connectivity initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Why It Matters: India and the EU are set to deepen their strategic partnership with a potential trade deal and new strategic agenda.