Amid buzz over an impending India-EU free trade pact, European heavyweights Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and Ursula von der Leyen touch down in New Delhi on January 25. Their four-day itinerary aligns perfectly with Republic Day festivities and high-stakes summitry, signaling a new chapter in Indo-European relations.
As FTA negotiations hurtle toward conclusion, this visit fuels optimism for a game-changing agreement. The duo will headline January 26 events as chief guests, followed by co-chairing the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27. Expect closed-door huddles with PM Modi and a courtesy call on President Murmu to iron out trade barriers and expand cooperation.
Logistics at Hyderabad House are tightened due to overwhelming demand: fewer on-site spots, wire feeds prioritized, and MEA social media dishing out visuals for broader coverage. Outlets must submit Google Sheet entries by January 23 morning to secure access.
Beyond trade, the agenda spotlights shared priorities like green energy, digital economy, and supply chain resilience. With Europe eyeing India’s manufacturing boom and India seeking market access, this summit could catalyze investments worth tens of billions. Analysts predict the FTA announcement might drop during the visit, reshaping global commerce dynamics and fortifying ties against geopolitical headwinds.