EU chief Ursula von der Leyen arrives in New Delhi ahead of Jan 27 EU–India summit; trade, defence and mobility on agenda
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit ahead of the EU–India summit on January 27, 2026. Talks are expected to focus on strengthening the strategic partnership, including progress on trade, defence cooperation and frameworks easing mobility for professionals.
Why the visit matters
Von der Leyen’s visit sets the stage for high-level EU–India summit discussions in New Delhi on January 27, 2026, with trade, security/defence cooperation and mobility expected to feature prominently.
Key items being discussed
- Trade: push to advance long-running talks on a comprehensive agreement and wider economic cooperation.
- Defence and security: discussions on closer strategic coordination and potential partnership frameworks.
- Mobility: efforts to facilitate movement of Indian professionals and deepen people-to-people links.
Republic Day context
The report also notes the visit’s timing alongside India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, underscoring the diplomatic signalling around the partnership.