US EditionIndia Holds Annual Military Parade with EU Leaders as Its Guests of Honour
EU leaders attend India’s Republic Day to strengthen strategic ties as Free Trade Agreement nears completion, with bilateral trade exceeding $136 billion last year, officials said.
- On Monday | January 26, 2026, EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa attended India’s Republic Day as chief guests, with negotiations nearing conclusion .
- Strategic considerations drove the trip, with leaders seeking closer cooperation amid transatlantic tensions as India and the European Union push to conclude a Free Trade Agreement re-launched in 2022.
- A formal guard of honour at Delhi airport greeted EU leaders, followed by meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s tenth talks with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.
- Given that bilateral goods trade topped $136 billion last year, the European Commission hailed the summit as a breakthrough granting unprecedented market access, with duties on European wine, spirits and olive oil expected to fall.
- Broader defence and trade pacts aim to reposition India‑EU ties amid global strategic shifts, as India and the EU finalise a Security and Defence Partnership covering maritime security, counterterrorism and cyber defence, with key deals expected later this year.
45 Articles
45 Articles
India holds annual military parade with EU leaders as its guests of honour
#India held its annual #military parade, which celebrates the foundation of its Republic 77 years ago. This year, #EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa were in the front seats, ahead of a decisive EU-India summit on January 27.
EU–India free trade deal a 'geopolitical stabiliser,' largest in world and boosts economy and security: Costa
European Council President António Costa said the EU–India free trade agreement (FTA) will strengthen economic ties, boost security, and reinforce global stability, echoing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s view that a “successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous, and secure.”
Republic Day 2026: From Kurta To Turban, PM Modi’s Parade Look Carries Subtle Meaning
The colour palette also aligned neatly with the European Union’s iconic blue, an interesting coincidence given European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s presence at this year’s parade.
On Republic Day 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the visits of top EU leaders to India as a strong foundation for India-EU relations. He said that the presence of Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen reflects India-Europe's shared democratic values and commitment to cooperation.
India, EU set to boost ties with raft of new deals
India looks set to sign deals strengthening relations with the EU, the latest indication of the rapid realignment of global ties in the year since US President Donald Trump took office. Top EU officials will be the guests of honor at India’s Republic Day celebrations, and are expected to sign a trade agreement as well as a security and maritime pact. Both Brussels and Delhi have faced Trump’s wrath over the past 12 months, and the deals, which w…
Exclusive: EU trade chief says trade deal will open India market
The European Union is pushing to open India’s economy to European companies as Brussels moves into the final stretch of negotiations on a long-awaited free-trade agreement with New Delhi, EU trade chief Maroš Šefčovič told Euronews.
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