New Delhi – European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to India from January 25 to 27 as chief guests at the country’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit will take place in New Delhi, where the two European Union leaders are also scheduled to co chair the 16th India EU Summit on January 27, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The summit comes at a time when India and the European Union are seeking to strengthen cooperation across trade, technology, climate action and global governance.
During their stay, President Costa and President von der Leyen are expected to meet Indian President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Modi at both restricted and delegation levels. An India EU Business Forum is also planned on the sidelines of the summit, bringing together political leaders and business representatives to explore investment and economic opportunities.
India and the European Union have maintained a strategic partnership since 2004. Their most recent full summit, the 15th India EU Summit, was held virtually in July 2020. Relations have since expanded, with renewed momentum following the visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025, described by officials as a milestone in bilateral engagement.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the presence of EU leaders at the Republic Day celebrations and the convening of the 16th summit reflect the importance both sides attach to the partnership and their intention to advance cooperation in areas of shared interest.
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