Republic Day 2026: Ursula von der Leyen’s India Visit Puts Trade, Security and EU-India Partnership in Focus
As Ursula von der Leyen arrives in India for the Republic Day celebrations, discussions around trade agreements, security cooperation and strategic partnerships between India and the European Union have taken centre stage. The high-profile visit is being seen as a potential breakthrough moment for an ambitious India-EU free trade agreement amid rapidly changing global trade dynamics.
The President of the European Commission landed in New Delhi on Saturday on a state visit and was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. Von der Leyen is accompanied by António Costa, with both leaders set to serve as chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday.
Beyond the ceremonial events, the visit carries significant diplomatic and economic weight. The two European leaders will represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled for 27 January, where they will hold talks with Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
According to a statement from the European Council, the summit aims to further strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership. Key areas on the agenda include trade, security and defence cooperation, clean energy transition, and enhanced people-to-people ties.
‘On the cusp of a historic trade agreement’
Speaking earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, von der Leyen said the European Union and India are “on the cusp of a historic trade agreement.” India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has previously described the proposed free trade pact as “the mother of all deals,” highlighting its potential to significantly expand market access for both sides.
The renewed push for closer trade ties comes at a time when global commerce is under strain due to rising protectionism. India and the European Union have both been impacted by the trade policies of Donald Trump. India faces tariffs of up to 50 per cent on certain exports to the United States, while the EU has yet to finalise a balanced trade arrangement with Washington.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met ambassadors from EU member states, stressing the importance of closer cooperation to “derisk the world economy” in response to global uncertainties.
Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, Kaja Kallas also arrived in New Delhi on her first official visit to India. She described India as “indispensable” to Europe’s economic and strategic future, as the EU continues to advance a new security and defence partnership with New Delhi.
Together, India and the European Union account for nearly a quarter of global population and GDP. According to EU data, bilateral trade in goods reached approximately €120 billion in 2024—an increase of nearly 90 per cent over the past decade—while trade in services added another €60 billion.
Who is Ursula von der Leyen?
Ursula von der Leyen has served as President of the European Commission since 2019. Born on October 8, 1958, in Brussels, she is a trained medical doctor and a former German defence minister. Between 2013 and 2019, she held several senior portfolios in the German government, including labour and defence, before assuming the EU’s top executive role.
Ursula von der Leyen’s India itinerary
24 January 2026: Arrival in New Delhi
25 January 2026: Meetings in New Delhi, including talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
26 January 2026: Participation in India’s 77th Republic Day Parade alongside European Council President António Costa; meeting with Droupadi Murmu
27 January 2026: Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; participation in the EU-India Business Forum; attendance at a banquet hosted by President Murmu; meeting with C. P. Radhakrishnan
27 January 2026: Participation in the 16th EU-India Summit alongside European Council President António Costa
The visit is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future trajectory of India-EU relations, particularly as both sides seek to deepen cooperation in trade, security and global economic governance.
0 Comments