The top EU leaders are also scheduled to co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27.
India Invites Dual EU Leadership for Republic Day Amid Free Trade Push
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders of the European Union (EU) will be on a three-day visit to India from January 25 to 27.
The visit marks a crucial juncture in India-EU relations, as both sides are working toward finalising a much-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The top EU leaders are also scheduled to co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, where discussions are expected to centre on a new defence framework and a strategic security agenda.
The joint invitation to the presidents of both the European Council and the Commission underscores the deepening strategic partnership.
The visit is expected to provide the necessary political impetus to bridge the remaining gaps in trade negotiations and strengthen security ties between the two regions.
Source: The Tribune
