 "European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on February 28, 2025. (Photo: Altaf Hussain/Reuters)")
India has invited President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa as chief guests for next year’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, making it the first time the top leadership of the European Union will join the ceremonies.
According to a report by the Indian Express, New Delhi is in the process of sending a formal invitation to the dignitaries, while the official confirmation of acceptance is underway, following which India and Brussels are expected to announce the engagement.
The decision to invite the EU leadership marks a first, reflecting the recent upswing in relations between India and the 27-member European Union, particularly since February, when the EU’s College of Commissioners visited New Delhi.
In fact, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently concluded a trip to Brussels, where he held talks with Maros Sefcovic, the European Union’s Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
Following the meeting, Goyal announced on X that his engagements with Sefcovic were “intense but very productive,” adding that both sides had significantly narrowed their outstanding issues and created a framework to deliver a “win-win” outcome for both economies. He said the discussions had laid the foundation for a robust and balanced agreement that would strengthen business ties and drive mutual growth.
Reaffirming the shared vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU President Ursula von der Leyen, Goyal said India and the EU were committed to achieving shared prosperity through innovation, trade, investments, and job creation. He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of both negotiation teams and said he looked forward to welcoming Sefcovic and his team to India soon to advance the dialogue further.