New Delhi: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday described India as a crucial global partner, asserting that a strong and successful India contributes to a more stable, prosperous and secure world. Her remarks came as senior European Union leaders arrived in New Delhi to attend India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations and ahead of the EU-India Summit scheduled for Tuesday.
Calling her invitation as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations “the honour of a lifetime,” von der Leyen underlined the growing strategic alignment between India and the European Union. In a message shared on social media, she said that India’s success benefits not only its people but the global community at large.
Her comments coincided with the arrival of several top EU officials, including European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas and Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, reflecting renewed momentum in India-EU relations across trade, security and defence sectors.
Kaja Kallas said there is strong momentum to deepen cooperation with India, noting that the EU is actively seizing this opportunity. She highlighted that personnel from EU naval missions Atalanta and Aspides are participating in India’s Republic Day parade for the first time, describing it as a powerful symbol of the strengthening bond between the two sides.
Kallas also announced that the EU and India will formalise their growing strategic ties at the upcoming summit by signing an EU-India Security and Defence Partnership. The agreement is expected to deliver tangible outcomes in areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism.
Meanwhile, Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic termed his invitation to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations a “profound honour” and said the occasion was an ideal moment to reinforce bilateral ties. He stressed the importance of concluding an ambitious EU-India Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen the partnership.
The EU-India Summit on Tuesday comes amid sustained efforts by both sides to elevate their strategic partnership, which was established in 2004. Negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement, an investment protection pact and a geographical indications agreement have gained pace, with both sides targeting completion by the end of 2025.
The European Union views India as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific due to its strategic location, rapidly expanding economy and role in ensuring regional stability and freedom of navigation. India and the EU already collaborate across multiple sectors, including climate action, energy, technology, connectivity, research, innovation and space cooperation.
