India is set to host a landmark diplomatic event as the European Union's top two leaders, European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026. This invitation, extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant step in bolstering India-EU relations, signifying the first time the EU's top leadership has jointly attended the Republic Day Parade as guests of honour. The leaders are scheduled for a three-day state visit to India from January 25 to 27. During their visit, they will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, 2026. The previous (15th) India-EU Summit was held virtually on July 15, 2020. The resumption of a high-level physical summit after approximately five and a half years underscores renewed momentum in the strategic partnership between India and the 27-nation bloc. Their visit is expected to focus heavily on advancing negotiations for the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides have expressed commitment to concluding these talks, which were officially reinvigorated in 2022 after a prolonged pause. Discussions during the summit are anticipated to cover a wide array of topics, including trade, investment, security, climate action, and digital cooperation. An India-EU Business Forum is also planned alongside the summit to facilitate engagement between policymakers and business leaders. The decision to invite the EU's collective leadership as chief guests highlights India's recognition of the EU as a unified geopolitical actor and a crucial partner in a changing global landscape. This move is seen as strengthening the bilateral relationship, which was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2004, and advancing collaboration across priority areas of mutual interest.