New Delhi, Jan 26: A new era of defense and trade cooperation is set to begin as India and the European Union prepare for a historic summit in New Delhi. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, attending India’s 77th Republic Day, noted that the world becomes safer and more secure when India prospers. Her visit precedes a high-level meeting where both powers aim to solidify their role in the Indo-Pacific region.
The upcoming summit will be marked by the formalization of a security and defense partnership designed to address modern threats. European Union Vice-President Kaja Kallas said the agreement will deliver results in maritime defense and cybersecurity. “A historic security and defense partnership will be signed,” Kallas directly said while discussing the future of the bilateral relationship.
The collaboration was highlighted on the Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade, which featured participation from European naval squadrons Atalanta and Aspides. This first-time participation was intended to send a message of unity regarding international maritime safety. The European delegation’s presence follows a period of increased strategic alignment between New Delhi and Brussels.
Economic goals remain a priority for the visiting leaders as they look toward 2025. Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic noted that there is a shared hope for a swift conclusion to the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations. The EU views India as a critical democratic partner, and the summit is expected to act as a catalyst for reaching major investment goals within the next year.
