European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in India for a four-day visit ahead of the 16th EU-India Summit, with European Council President Antonio Costa set to join her. The leaders will be chief guests at India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27 to finalize key trade and partnership agreements.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, began her visit to India on January 25, 2026, ahead of the 16th EU-India Summit scheduled for January 27 in New Delhi. She was welcomed at the airport by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, is expected to arrive on January 26, the day of Republic Day celebrations, where both leaders will serve as chief guests.
The summit aims to conclude the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), described by von der Leyen in a post on X as 'the mother of all trade deals.' Discussions will also cover a strategic defence partnership and a framework for the mobility of Indian professionals, including students, researchers, and skilled workers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the potential of such agreements during the 18th Rozgar Mela, stating, 'These trade agreements are bringing numerous new opportunities for the youth of India.'
Bilateral ties have strengthened in recent years, with the EU as India's largest goods trading partner. For the financial year 2024-25, total trade reached $136 billion, with Indian exports at $76 billion and imports at $60 billion. Cooperation extends to areas like the Trade and Technology Council (TTC), launched in February 2023, and the Global Gateway strategy from December 2021, focusing on green energy, digital transformation, and urban development.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced in September 2023, was praised by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as 'a modern-day Silk Route' fostering connectivity and prosperity. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted on X, 'As the world's two largest democracies, India and the EU share a partnership rooted in mutual trust and shared values.' The summit is expected to endorse a five-year strategic agenda covering trade, security, sustainability, and global challenges.
