New Delhi, Jan 25 — India and the European Union began a high-level summit in New Delhi on Saturday, as leaders from both sides moved to strengthen cooperation across trade, security and global governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with senior European Union leaders, including European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during the opening sessions of the summit. The talks are taking place alongside the EU leadership’s visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations.
Discussions at the summit are centred on advancing economic ties, with renewed attention on the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Officials from both sides indicated that while complex issues remain, there is political momentum to push negotiations forward in the coming months.
Beyond trade, the agenda includes defence and security cooperation, clean energy partnerships, digital connectivity and climate action. Leaders are also expected to review collaboration in emerging technologies and supply chain resilience.
Mobility and people-to-people engagement form another key pillar of the talks. Both sides are exploring ways to expand academic exchanges, research cooperation and skilled workforce mobility between India and EU member states.
The summit comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, with India and the EU emphasising the importance of a stable, rules-based international order and stronger multilateral cooperation.
Officials said the meetings will continue over the next two days, with joint statements and potential framework agreements expected following the conclusion of the summit.
