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EU Leaders Unite for India's Republic Day Celebration in 2026

1/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, will attend India's Republic Day on January 26, 2026.
This will be the first time both EU leaders attend India’s Republic Day together.
The visit signals a deeper India–EU partnership.
It coincides with the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, amid Free Trade Agreement talks.

History

Historical Context

The EU-India partnership began with foundational agreements in 1993 and 1994, evolving into a strategic partnership in 2004. By 2020, bilateral trade reached €100 billion, making the EU India's largest trading partner. The upcoming attendance of EU leaders at India's Republic Day in 2026 signifies a commitment to strengthening ties, potentially paving the way for a Free Trade Agreement that could reshape global trade dynamics.

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Story summary

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council, will attend India's Republic Day on January 26, 2026.
This will be the first time both EU leaders attend India’s Republic Day together.
The visit signals a deeper India–EU partnership.
It coincides with the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, amid Free Trade Agreement talks.

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