A measured English daily covering India and the wider world.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa attended India’s Republic Day parade as chief guests and travelled to New Delhi for the 16th EU–India Summit scheduled for January 27, 2026. The EU said the summit agenda includes trade, security and defence, the clean transition, and people-to-people cooperation.
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.
India and the European Union have concluded negotiations for a long-awaited free trade agreement, with officials indicating a formal announcement is due Tuesday, followed by legal vetting and domestic approvals.
On India’s 77th Republic Day, international messages underlined India’s growing global profile. The United States issued a statement describing the relationship as a historic bond and reaffirmed cooperation across key areas, while New Delhi hosted prominent foreign dignitaries for the celebrations.
Visakhapatnam is set to host the International Fleet Review (IFR) in February 2026, with officials describing it as a platform to deepen interoperability and coordinate responses to emerging maritime threats, amid expectations of large international participation.
India’s eastern seaboard is preparing for a large maritime gathering in Visakhapatnam, bringing together multiple high-profile naval events that will draw foreign warships and senior leaders, signalling an expanded push for cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Visakhapatnam is set to host a rare convergence of major naval events in 2026: the International Fleet Review, Exercise MILAN-26 and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium conclave of chiefs. The Eastern Naval Command chief said the gatherings would draw foreign ships and delegations and include a fleet review by the President of India.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent Republic Day greetings to President Droupadi Murmu, describing India and China as neighbours and partners and repeating the familiar “dragon and elephant dancing together” formulation. The message arrives amid cautious efforts to manage ties, with symbolism carrying weight even when unresolved issues persist.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that India’s success contributes to a more stable, prosperous and secure world, as she and European Council President António Costa attended the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. The visit sets the stage for the EU-India Summit on 27 January 2026, where both sides plan to advance cooperation across trade, security, technology and climate priorities.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a successful India makes the world “more stable, prosperous and secure” after attending India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The visit by von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa comes ahead of India–EU summit discussions expected to focus on trade, security and strategic cooperation.
A report citing sources said India is considering sharply lowering import tariffs on some EU-made cars as part of a potential free-trade deal, signalling a major opening for European automakers in one of the world’s biggest auto markets.
As India assumes the BRICS chair from January 1, 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for “reformed multilateralism” and more representative global institutions, framing India’s chair year as a platform for development-focused cooperation.