EU chief says a ‘successful India’ makes the world more stable, ahead of India–EU summit
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after attending India’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, said a successful India would make the world “more stable, prosperous and secure”. She and European Council President António Costa joined as chief guests ahead of summit-level talks expected to focus on trade and strategic cooperation.
A message from New Delhi with global implications
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her visit to India’s Republic Day celebrations to frame India’s rise as a stabilising factor for the wider world. Speaking after attending the 77th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on 26 January 2026, she said that a successful India would contribute to a more stable, prosperous and secure world.
The comments came a day before summit-level talks between India and the European Union, where leaders are expected to discuss a range of priorities. The optics of the EU’s top leadership joining India’s national day events were interpreted as an emphatic signal of political alignment and intent to accelerate cooperation.
Von der Leyen attended alongside European Council President António Costa, with both leaders serving as chief guests at the Republic Day parade. The invitation itself is considered highly symbolic: India traditionally uses the chief-guest role to convey diplomatic messaging, selecting partners it wants to engage with at a strategic level.
Trade, security and strategic cooperation on the agenda
According to the reporting, the visiting EU delegation is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, with discussions expected to cover trade, security and broader strategic cooperation. In recent years, India and the EU have sought to deepen ties across economic corridors, technology, connectivity initiatives and geopolitical coordination.
The Republic Day parade, meanwhile, provided the setting for a high-visibility diplomatic moment. With India’s military strength, indigenous defence capabilities and cultural heritage on display, the ceremony underscored New Delhi’s intent to project national capabilities while hosting major international partners.
Von der Leyen’s framing positions India not only as an economic growth centre, but as a contributor to global stability—an angle that aligns with the EU’s search for reliable partners amid shifting geopolitics.
- Location: New Delhi, Kartavya Path
- Event: Republic Day parade (26 January 2026)
- Key visitors: Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa
- Next step: India–EU summit talks expected the following day