European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend India’s Republic Day celebrations next Monday as chief guests, underscoring the growing importance of India-EU relations.
Beyond the ceremonial events and state banquets, the visit carries strong economic and strategic significance. The two leaders are expected to focus on advancing long pending free trade negotiations between India and the European Union. The talks come at a sensitive geopolitical moment for Europe, following recent trade tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Their presence also sends a clear diplomatic signal from New Delhi. India is actively strengthening its global trade and strategic partnerships as discussions with Washington remain stalled over proposed 50 percent US tariffs on Indian goods.
Chietigj Bajpaee, a senior fellow at London-based think tank Chatham House, told the BBC that the move reflects India’s diversified foreign policy approach and shows it is not dependent on the direction of the Trump administration.
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