India-EU Summit to Finalise Trade Deal and Defence Partnership
The India-European Union (EU) Summit on January 27 aims to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), a Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), and a mobility pact for Indian professionals. European Council president Antonio Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen will attend the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The summit is expected to address contentious issues, including the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism. Both sides have made progress on agriculture and agreed on tariffs for wines, spirits, and automobiles. The SDP will unify existing security initiatives and facilitate joint defence production. The summit will also cover regional and global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Approximately 10 agreements, including disaster risk management, are anticipated to be concluded during the summit.
Published 13 hours ago • 19 Jan 2026, 05:59 PM IST