India-EU Partnership to Shine at Republic Day Parade; Big FTA Announcement Expected on 27 January

New Delhi: India and the European Union (EU) are gearing up to showcase their growing partnership in multiple areas, from trade to defense and security. The long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the 27 EU member countries is expected to reach its final stage, with the historic announcement scheduled for 27 January.

EU Leaders to Attend Republic Day as Chief Guests
This year, the EU leadership will be the chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, marking a first in the history of the parade. The announcement regarding the FTA will follow the next day during the India-EU summit. The agreement is expected to go beyond trade, also covering cooperation in defense and security.

EU Military Contingent to Participate in Parade
For the first time, a military contingent from the European Union will take part in the Republic Day parade along the Kartavya Path in New Delhi. According to reports from The Economic Times, this milestone reflects the rapidly evolving geopolitics and the strengthening of global partnerships between India and Europe.

EU Leadership Visits India from 25–27 January
The delegation will include European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will visit India from 25–27 January. Their visit will coincide with the Republic Day celebrations and the summit meeting where the FTA negotiations’ outcomes will be announced.

FTA Signing Expected in Coming Months
While the India-EU summit will announce the results of the negotiations, the formal signing of the FTA is expected in the coming months. Certain legal procedures, including approval by the European Parliament, will follow the announcement. Additionally, an India-EU Business Forum will be organized after the summit. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has previously called this trade deal the “Mother of All Deals.”

Strategic Implications for Global Power Dynamics
The India-EU collaboration is expected to include defense and security cooperation, with a focus on sharing critical security information. Discussions are set to conclude within 2026. Experts note that similar talks are ongoing between the EU and Japan, creating a strategic triangle of trade, defense, and security cooperation. This development is expected to challenge the expansionist and monopolistic tendencies of the US and China, strengthening India’s position on the global stage.