Archive · 16 Jan 2026
EU Leaders to Attend Republic Day, Sign Trade Deal
The European Union and India are going to sign a big trade deal on January 27, 2026.
This deal is the largest ever for the EU.
However, they decided not to include farming and food products in this agreement because it's a sensitive topic in India, where many people work in agriculture.
The deal will make it easier for European products like wine and spirits to be sold in India, but some special food protections are not part of this deal.
The EU's top leaders, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, will be in India from January 25 to 27.
They will be the chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations and will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit.
They will meet with India's President and Prime Minister and attend a business forum to boost economic engagement.
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa will be chief guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026.
The leaders will undertake a three-day visit to India from January 25 to 27, 2026, and are expected to announce the firming up of the much-awaited India-EU trade pact during their trip.
The India-EU trade deal, the largest ever for the EU, will exclude agriculture due to political sensitivities in India.
The agreement will open access to a market representing 25% of the world's population and reduce high tariffs on European wine and spirits.
The leaders will co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026, and meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Who
- European Union (Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa) and India (Narendra Modi)
- What
- Signing of the largest-ever trade deal between the EU and India, excluding agriculture, and Republic Day celebrations
- When
- January 25-27, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To strengthen trade relations and open access to a significant market, despite political constraints and sensitivities around agriculture, and to celebrate Republic Day
- Signing Date
- January 27, 2026
- Key Officials
- Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, Narendra Modi
- Agriculture Status
- Excluded from the deal
- Market Size
- 25% of world's population
- Sensitive Products
- Dairy, sugar, wine, spirits
- Tariff Reduction
- Agreed on reducing high tariffs on European wine and spirits
- Geographical Indications
- Not part of the agreement
- Visit Duration
- January 25-27, 2026
- India-EU Summit
- 16th India-EU Summit
- Business Forum
- India-EU Business Forum
Sources
India–EU FTA to be signed on Jan 27, agriculture kept off the table: Report
India likely to sign trade deal with EU by January end, negotiations to conclude by Jan 26: Commerce Secretary
EU leaders to be chief guests at R-Day celebrations: MEA
Top EU leaders will be chief guests at Republic Day celebrations
European Commission and European Council Presidents to be the chief guests for Republic Day parade
Top EU Leaders to Attend Republic Day Celebrations as Chief Guests
EU Leaders Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa To Be Chief Guests At India’s 77th Republic Day, Co-chair India-EU Summit
Top EU leaders to be chief guests at 77th Republic Day celebrations
India-US trade deal ‘very near’ as both sides eye breakthrough
India–US trade deal soon? Commerce Secretary says ‘we can’t put a deadline; it’s very near’
India close to sealing trade deal with EU this month, says trade secretary
EU’s Costa, von der Leyen to grace R-Day celebrations; historic trade deal at finish line
EU’s top leaders to be chief guests at 77th Republic day; likely to sign trade deal
