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EU Leaders Join India's Republic Day, Signaling Stronger Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as honored guests for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations. Their presence is seen as a major symbol of the strengthening strategic partnership between India and the European Union. The visit coincides with the 16th EU-India Summit, aiming to add momentum to cooperation across diverse sectors including trade and security. EU leaders emphasized that a successful India contributes to global stability and prosperity, with the participation of EU naval personnel in the parade marking a new depth in bilateral ties.

Key Points: India-EU Partnership Strengthens as EU Leaders Attend Republic Day

  • EU leaders attend India's Republic Day as Chief Guests
  • Visit underscores deepening strategic partnership
  • Focus on trade, security & defense cooperation
  • EU naval personnel join parade for first time
2 min read

"Growing strength of India-EU partnership": PM Modi on EU delegation's visit on Republic Day

PM Modi hosts EU delegation for Republic Day, highlighting growing strategic ties and cooperation on trade, security, and shared values.

"A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. - Ursula von der Leyen"

New Delhi, January 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India was privileged to host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

PM Modi said that the presence of the EU Delegation underscores the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership.

In a post on X, he said, "India is privileged to host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during our Republic Day celebrations. Their presence underscores the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership and our commitment to shared values. The visit will add momentum to the deepening engagement and cooperation between India and Europe across diverse sectors."

Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen called India a key global partner and said, "A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure," as top European leaders arrived in New Delhi to attend the 77th Republic Day celebrations and the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled for Tuesday.

von der Leyen described being invited as Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations as "the honour of a lifetime", underlining the growing strategic convergence between India and the European Union.

Through an official X post, she said," It is the honour of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure. And we all benefit."

Her remarks come as senior EU leaders, including the Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, and the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, as well as Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, Maros Sefcovic, signalled strong momentum in EU-India relations spanning trade, security and defence cooperation.

Kaja Kallas, in a post on X, said there is "strong momentum for closer cooperation with India," adding that the EU is seizing the opportunity to deepen ties. She noted that personnel from EU naval operations Atalanta and Aspides are participating in India's Republic Day parade for the first time, calling it a symbol of the deepening bond between the two sides.

- ANI

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Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable energy sector, I hope this partnership accelerates clean tech collaboration. Europe has the tech, India has the scale and ambition. A perfect match for a greener future.
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Rohit P
Good move, but the real test is on the ground. We need to see faster progress on the FTA (Free Trade Agreement). Talks have been going on for years. Let's hope this visit gives it the final push. Our MSMEs need that market access.
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Priya S
It fills me with pride to see global leaders acknowledging India's importance on our Republic Day. "A successful India makes the world more stable" – this statement by the EU President says it all. Our growth story is being recognized.
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Karthik V
Strategic convergence is key. With global uncertainties, having a strong partnership with a bloc like the EU provides stability. Hope the cooperation extends to critical areas like semiconductors and cybersecurity.
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Michael C
While the optics are great, I hope this partnership is based on true mutual respect and not just Europe seeing India as a counterweight to others. Our foreign policy should remain independent and strategic.
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Nisha Z
This is wonderful! More cultural and student exchange programs should be a focus. When our youth study and work in Europe

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