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India-EU Summit: Modi Calls EU "Natural Partners" in Changing World Order

Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 16th India-EU Summit with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU leaders were in India as chief guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, marking a significant diplomatic engagement. The discussions aimed at elevating the strategic partnership, covering a comprehensive bilateral agenda and global issues. The visit was historic, featuring the first-ever participation of an EU military contingent in the Republic Day parade.

Key Points: India, EU Are Natural Partners, Says PM Modi at 16th Summit

  • 16th India-EU Summit held in New Delhi
  • EU leaders were Republic Day chief guests
  • First-ever EU military contingent in parade
  • Focus on strengthening multilateralism
  • Talks covered global issues and bilateral agenda
2 min read

"India, EU natural partners in changing world," says PM Modi

PM Modi hosts EU leaders for Republic Day & summit, pledging to elevate strategic partnership based on shared values and a comprehensive bilateral agenda.

"India and the EU are natural partners in a changing world - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, January 27

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he held productive discussions with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the 16th India-EU Summit.

The PM said that India and the EU are natural partners in a changing world.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Co-chaired the 16th India-EU Summit with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Held productive discussions to take our Strategic Partnership to a higher level based on our shared values and a comprehensive bilateral agenda covering various subjects. Also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. India and the EU are natural partners in a changing world and remain committed to strengthening multilateralism."

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, paid a State Visit to India on 25-27 January as the Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day of India.

President Costa and President von der Leyen were accompanied by a high-level delegation, including High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.

The two Leaders were warmly welcomed by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They then travelled together in a ceremonial procession to attend the Republic Day celebrations and witness the parade.

For the first time ever, a contingent consisting of representatives from both the European Union Military Staff and the European Union Naval Operations ATALANTA and ASPIDES participated in the Republic Day Parade.

President Costa and President von der Leyen joined President Murmu for an 'At-Home' reception in Rashtrapati Bhavan. In honour of the visiting dignitaries, President Murmu hosted a Banquet on 27 January 2026. Earlier that afternoon, Prime Minister Modi also hosted a luncheon in their honour.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Hoping these "productive discussions" translate into tangible benefits for our people. Easier visas for students and professionals, more tech transfer, and better market access for our MSMEs should be the real focus. Let's see the action on the ground now.
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Rohit P
Natural partners, yes, but the EU needs to understand our position on key issues. Partnerships can't be one-sided. Glad our leadership is engaging confidently. The parade contingent was a nice touch – shows respect.
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Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable energy sector, this is promising news. Collaboration with EU tech and investment can accelerate our green transition. Hope the summit focused on concrete climate finance and clean energy projects.
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Vikram M
While the optics are good, I respectfully hope we are not compromising on our strategic autonomy. "Shared values" is fine, but our foreign policy must remain independent and in our national interest first. The partnership should be transactional and beneficial, not ideological.
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Kavya N
It's great to see India hosting such important global leaders for Republic Day! Makes me proud. The 'At-Home' reception and banquet show our rich hospitality. This is how diplomacy is done – with grace and strength. Jai Hind!

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