European Council President António Luís Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are set to visit India for the 16th summit between India and the European Union on January 27, following their participation as chief guests at the Republic Day parade. The summit marks a significant moment in the strengthening of bilateral ties, with both sides working to finalize a free trade agreement and a formal partnership in defence and security, despite ongoing differences over trade and climate-related policies.

Key topics for discussion include trade, security, defence cooperation, clean energy transition, and enhanced people-to-people contact. The summit also aims to advance joint initiatives such as the proposed digital corridor connecting Europe, Africa, and India, which promises resilient and high-speed data connectivity. Both India and the European Union view the meeting as an opportunity to reinforce their shared commitment to a rules-based international order and to address outstanding issues through high-level political engagement.