India will host top European Union leaders later this month in a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening bilateral ties. The President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be on a state visit to India from January 25 to 27, 2026.
The visit takes place at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. Importantly, both EU leaders will attend India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests, highlighting the growing strategic importance of India–EU relations.
During their stay, President Costa and President von der Leyen will meet the Hon’ble Rashtrapati ji. They will also hold restricted-format talks and delegation-level discussions with Prime Minister Modi. These meetings are expected to focus on political cooperation, economic engagement, global security, and emerging areas of collaboration.
Meanwhile, the two leaders will co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27, 2026. The summit is seen as a key platform to review progress in bilateral relations and set priorities for future cooperation. Alongside the summit, an India–EU Business Forum is also expected to be organized. This forum will bring together policymakers and industry leaders to explore trade, investment, and technology partnerships.
India and the European Union have been strategic partners since 2004. Over the years, their relationship has expanded across trade, climate action, digital governance, connectivity, and global security issues. Notably, ties gained fresh momentum after the historic visit of the EU College of Commissioners to India in February 2025.
Overall, the participation of EU leaders in the Republic Day celebrations and the upcoming summit is expected to further strengthen the India–EU Strategic Partnership. It also signals a shared commitment to closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest amid a rapidly changing global landscape.
