Ursula von der Leyen Arrives in India for Republic Day

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in India on Saturday for a State Visit, where she, alongside European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, will attend India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guests. The visit highlights the deepening India–EU partnership and comes at a time of sustained diplomatic engagement amid global volatility.

Ursula von der Leyen was received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as “charting the next phase of the India–EU strategic partnership,” emphasizing shared democratic values and mutual trust between the two entities.

Earlier in the day, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas arrived in New Delhi for her first official visit. The MEA said the trip was timely to further consolidate India–EU ties, building on regular high-level interactions and cooperative initiatives on trade, security, and technology.

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The visit follows intensive diplomatic discussions, including a meeting of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with EU ambassadors. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of stronger India–EU cooperation in stabilizing the global economy, strengthening resilient supply chains, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief worldwide.

During the State Visit, von der Leyen and Costa will call on President Droupadi Murmu and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The leaders are also set to co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27, along with an India–EU Business Forum to promote trade, investment, and economic collaboration between the two partners.

MEA officials noted that the high-profile visit underscores India and the EU’s commitment to deepening strategic, economic, and technological cooperation. Both sides aim to address shared global challenges, reinforce multilateral frameworks, and strengthen ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

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