EU chief von der Leyen lands in Delhi for talks on trade, defence and mobility; summit set for Jan 27
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit as India and the EU prepare for a January 27 summit expected to focus on a free trade agreement, defence partnership efforts and a mobility framework for Indian professionals.
What happened
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen began a four-day visit to New Delhi ahead of summit discussions between India and the European Union on January 27, 2026.
The visit is positioned around advancing big-ticket initiatives spanning trade, defence cooperation and mobility-related arrangements for Indian professionals.
Key details
- Summit meeting scheduled for January 27, 2026, in New Delhi.
- The EU’s top leadership is expected to participate in India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, as chief guests.
- Talks are expected to cover a long-awaited free trade agreement and other strategic frameworks.
Why it matters
India–EU engagement has widened beyond trade into strategic and technology-linked cooperation, and the mobility track is especially significant for skilled Indian professionals seeking streamlined pathways.