Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 26 in New Delhi said that the participation of top European Union leaders in India’s Republic Day celebrations highlights the growing depth and strength of India-EU relations, ahead of the upcoming bilateral summit.

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• Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the presence of European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen symbolizes deepening trust and shared democratic values between India and the European Union.

• The two EU leaders attended India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests, marking a significant diplomatic gesture reflecting the growing strategic and political alignment between both sides.

• President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, where the National Flag was unfurled with full ceremonial honors and national traditions.

• A ceremonial 21-gun salute using indigenously developed 105-mm Light Field Guns highlighted India’s emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing and indigenous military capabilities.

• António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen were escorted to Kartavya Path by the President’s Bodyguard in a traditional buggy, reviving a historic practice discontinued for four decades.

• The visiting EU leaders are scheduled to represent the European Union at the 16th EU-India Summit hosted by Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on January 27.

• According to the European Council, the summit aims to advance the India-EU Strategic Partnership across critical areas including trade, security, defence cooperation, and clean energy transition.

• Leaders are expected to adopt a joint comprehensive strategic agenda focusing on prosperity, technology, innovation, global connectivity, and coordinated responses to international challenges.

• Discussions will also cover ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, Indo-Pacific stability, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Middle East developments, and strengthening the multilateral global order.