EU Leaders to Attend Republic Day as India Hosts 16th Summit
The Indian government has officially announced that European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit India on January 27 for the 16th India-EU summit. A day earlier, on January 26, they will participate in the Republic Day parade as chief guests. This visit represents a major diplomatic event, highlighting the growing partnership between India and the European Union.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Amid Global Challenges
The summit will serve as the culmination of months of intensive efforts by both sides to enhance bilateral relations. The European Union has recently finalized a new strategic agenda for India, a move driven by mounting global uncertainties and shifts in transatlantic alliances. Both India and the EU are now working diligently to finalize a free trade agreement, which stands as a top priority for the summit. Additionally, they aim to establish a formal EU-India defence and security partnership to boost industrial cooperation in the defence sector, despite ongoing friction over India's relations with Russia.
Key Agenda Items for the Summit
According to the European Union, the discussions will focus on several critical areas:
- Trade: Finalizing the free trade agreement to boost economic cooperation.
- Security and Defence: Developing a partnership to facilitate defence industrial ties.
- Clean Transition: Addressing environmental and sustainability issues.
- People-to-People Contact: Enhancing cultural and social exchanges between the regions.
European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the shared responsibility, stating, "Together, we share the capacity and responsibility to protect the rules-based international order." This statement underscores the collaborative spirit of the summit.
Historic Participation in Republic Day Celebrations
This visit marks the first time that leaders from the European Union will attend the Republic Day parade as guests of honour. The 27-nation bloc views this as a strong signal of the deepening bilateral ties between the EU and India. The presence of these high-profile leaders at such a significant national event not only honors India but also reinforces the strategic importance of the India-EU relationship on the global stage.
