Overview
- European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit India on January 25–27 as chief guests for Republic Day and will co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit on January 27.
- India’s commerce secretary said negotiators have closed 20 of 24 chapters and are working daily to try to finish a draft in time for leaders to consider, with any announcement contingent on concluding talks.
- Officials indicate sensitive agricultural issues from both sides have been excluded from the proposed trade pact.
- Key unresolved items include the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, plus market access in sectors such as steel and automobiles; the CBAM began applying from January 1.
- Beyond trade, the visit is expected to advance a Security and Defence Partnership and a security of information agreement, with leaders also meeting President Droupadi Murmu and hosting an India–EU Business Forum.