Europe, India signal joint push to shape new global order

As India marked its 77th Republic Day with rare European Union presence at the highest level, Brussels and New Delhi sent a clear geopolitical message: the world’s largest democracies intend to move in lockstep to shape a new global order.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on January 26 that “a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure,” underlining why the EU is betting big on its partnership with New Delhi. Along with European Council President Antonio Luís Santos da Costa, she was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade—an invitation that itself signalled the deepening of ties.

Thanking President Droupadi Murmu for hosting them, von der Leyen said Europe and India were committed to elevating their relationship. “Europe and India are the world’s largest democracies, determined to work together to shape a new global order. This is why we are here—to take our partnership to new heights,” she said.

The symbolism will now translate into substance. On January 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will co-chair the India–EU Summit with Costa and von der Leyen, with an ambitious slate of outcomes expected.

These include a five-year comprehensive strategic agenda (2026–2030), the conclusion of the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a Security and Defense Partnership, and a mobility framework for students and skilled professionals.

Costa described the Republic Day parade as a “magnificent” celebration of India’s history and diversity, calling it an embodiment of the country’s future aspirations. Von der Leyen, a former German defence minister, said the participation of an EU military contingent in the parade was a powerful signal of expanding security cooperation. “It will culminate tomorrow in the signature of our Security and Defense Partnership,” she said, pointing to enhanced cooperation in maritime security, cyber-security and counter-terrorism.

Momentum around the trade deal also sharpened. EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič indicated that negotiations on the FTA would be wrapped up on January 27. Calling the Republic Day invitation a “profound honour”, he said there could be “no more fitting moment” to reinforce ties through an ambitious trade pact.

Once concluded, the agreement will undergo legal scrubbing and internal consultations before seeking approval from the European Parliament and authorisation from the European Council. Sources said both sides want to compress timelines, aiming for the pact to be signed swiftly and operationalised in 2026. Comparable EU trade deals typically take six to eight months to clear institutional hurdles.

India and the EU first launched FTA talks in 2007, but negotiations stalled in 2013 due to differences in ambition. They were revived in June 2022 amid shifting global supply chains and strategic uncertainty.

Beyond trade, the two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on mobility, creating a structured framework for students, researchers, seasonal workers and highly skilled professionals. France, Germany and Italy already have bilateral mobility partnerships with India.

Exploratory talks will also begin on India’s association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. The summit will be followed by the first India–EU Business Forum, designed to deepen corporate engagement.

Sources said leaders will also inject momentum into preparatory work on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, focusing on transport, digital and energy connectivity.

Global flashpoints will loom large in discussions. The leaders are expected to address the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and the future of a free, prosperous Indo-Pacific. While differences remain, officials say India and the EU share a core interest in a stable international order and effective multilateralism.

Von der Leyen is expected to reiterate the EU’s position on the “existential threat” posed by the Ukraine war and the need for a ceasefire and negotiations. Modi, for his part, is likely to underline India’s diplomatic balancing act on Ukraine and Gaza, while pressing the EU for tougher language on Pakistan and China.

After attending the traditional ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26, the visiting leaders will begin January 27 with a wreath-laying at Rajghat, followed by restricted and delegation-level talks with Modi. Von der Leyen will depart later in the day, while Costa will leave on January 28—closing a visit that has firmly reset the trajectory of India–EU relations.