EU Leaders to Be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day, 16th India–EU Summit on Jan 27

EU Leaders to Be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day, Marking New Phase in India–EU Ties

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , European Council President Antonio Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will pay a State Visit to India from January 25 to 27, 2026 . In a significant diplomatic gesture, the two European Union leaders will serve as Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations , underscoring the growing strategic depth of India–EU relations.

State Visit and High-Level Engagements

During their visit, President Costa and President von der Leyen will call on President Droupadi Murmu and hold restricted and delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. These engagements are expected to comprehensively review the progress of India–EU relations and provide strategic direction for enhanced cooperation across political dialogue, economic engagement, and global governance issues.

The visit reflects the increasing convergence of interests between India and the European Union amid shifting global geopolitical and economic dynamics.

16th India–EU Summit in New Delhi

The two EU leaders will jointly co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27, 2026 , in New Delhi, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs . The summit is expected to focus on expanding collaboration in trade, digital and green technologies, climate action, connectivity, and global security .

An India–EU Business Forum is also likely to be organised alongside the summit to strengthen commercial ties, promote investment flows, and deepen private-sector cooperation.

Evolution of the India–EU Strategic Partnership

India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004 . The partnership has steadily expanded, with cooperation spanning trade, climate change, research and innovation, digital governance, and people-to-people ties.

The 15th India–EU Summit was held virtually on July 15, 2020 . Bilateral momentum received a major boost following the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025 , which enabled structured engagement across multiple policy domains.

Significance for Bilateral and Global Cooperation

According to the MEA, the presence of EU leaders as Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations—combined with the India–EU Summit—signals a shared commitment to strengthening the India–EU Strategic Partnership . The visit is expected to advance cooperation in priority areas and reinforce both sides’ support for a rules-based international order , multilateralism, and sustainable development.

Exam-Focused Points

• India and the European Union became strategic partners in 2004 .

• 16th India–EU Summit to be held on January 27, 2026 , in New Delhi.

• European Council and European Commission are key EU institutions.

• EU leaders will be Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day .

• Last summit (15th) was held virtually