EU chief Ursula von der Leyen lands in Delhi for talks on trade, defence and mobility; summit with PM Modi on Jan 27
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit focused on advancing India–EU engagement, with plans for summit-level talks on January 27. The agenda includes movement on a long-pending free trade agreement, a strategic defence partnership and a mobility framework aimed at easing pathways for Indian professionals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in New Delhi ahead of a high-level India–European Union push to finalise major agreements spanning trade, defence cooperation and mobility. The visit is scheduled to run for four days and comes in the run-up to summit talks set for Monday, January 27, 2026.
The report says von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa are expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi for the summit. Costa is expected to reach the capital on Sunday, and the two EU leaders are also listed as the chief guests for India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, underscoring the diplomatic signalling around the visit.
Trade, defence and mobility: what’s on the table
At the summit, India and the EU are expected to announce progress toward concluding the long-awaited free trade agreement, alongside discussions to firm up a strategic defence partnership pact. The talks are also expected to focus on a framework to facilitate mobility for Indian professionals, an area that has become increasingly central as both sides look to deepen economic integration and address skill needs.
Indian officials and EU counterparts have, in recent years, placed additional emphasis on technology partnerships, green cooperation and regional security conversations, as supply chains, energy transitions and geopolitics reshape global trade and strategic alignments.
Why the timing matters
The report notes that India–EU ties have been on an upward track, with the EU described as India’s largest trading partner in goods. Bilateral goods trade was cited at about $136 billion in FY2024–25, with Indian exports estimated around $76 billion and imports around $60 billion.
If the visit produces concrete announcements, it could give businesses clearer signals on tariffs and market access, while defence collaboration and mobility rules may influence everything from joint procurement and industrial partnerships to talent flows in sectors like engineering, healthcare and technology.
- Jan 26, 2026: Republic Day ceremony in Delhi where the EU leadership is expected as chief guests
- Jan 27, 2026: India–EU summit talks planned with PM Modi in New Delhi
- Key themes: Free trade pact movement, strategic defence partnership, mobility framework for Indian professionals