European Commission President Hails India as Key Global Partner Ahead of Republic Day

New Delhi. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday welcomed India as a key global partner, stating that a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous, and secure. She arrived in New Delhi to participate in the 77th Republic Day celebrations along with a group of top European leaders.

Von der Leyen stated that being invited as the chief guest for Republic Day is a lifetime honor, highlighting the growing strategic closeness between India and the EU. She said on social media platform X, "We all benefit from this. Close ties with India will yield concrete results in maritime security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism."

European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas noted that there is a 'strong momentum' in relations with India and that opportunities are being utilized to deepen them further. She mentioned that personnel from the EU Naval Operations Atalanta and Aspides participated in the parade for the first time, calling it a symbol of the deep relationship between the two sides.

Trade and Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič stated that being invited for India's Republic Day was a 'deep honor' and noted that this is the right time to reaffirm the partnership by concluding the ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The EU-India Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, is expected to present a roadmap for a new strategic agenda focusing on trade, technology, security, and defense. Both sides have been continuously striving to elevate their strategic partnership since 2004.

The EU values India as a significant partner in the Indo-Pacific, considering its strategic location, growing market, and role in maintaining regional security. India and the EU already cooperate in areas such as climate, energy, technology, connectivity, research, innovation, and space.

The summit is expected to pave the way for concrete decisions and understandings towards unlocking the full potential of the partnership between both sides.