Republic Day 2026: EU Leaders Likely to Be Chief Guests Ahead of India–EU Summit

India’s Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2026 are expected to carry strong diplomatic significance, with European Union (EU) leaders likely to attend as chief guests. According to media reports, the EU has officially accepted India’s invitation, underlining the growing importance of the India–EU Strategic Partnership at a time of shifting global economic and geopolitical alignments.

Who Are the Expected Chief Guests?

The expected chief guests include Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council. Their joint presence reflects the EU’s identity as a unified political and economic bloc, rather than a collection of individual member states.

Ursula von der Leyen is known for steering major EU initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the Competitiveness Compass, aimed at strengthening the EU’s economic resilience amid competition from the United States and China. António Costa, who assumed office as President of the European Council in 2024, plays a key role in coordinating EU summits and shaping diplomatic consensus among member nations. His previous experience as Prime Minister of Portugal adds political depth to EU leadership.

Link with the India–EU Summit

The visit of EU leaders is expected to coincide with the India–EU Summit, tentatively planned for 27 January 2026, although no official confirmation has been issued yet. If held, the summit would come at a crucial moment as India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations have resumed after years of stagnation.

The renewed talks focus on market access, services, investment, and supply-chain resilience. EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, who visited India in December 2025, played a key role in laying the groundwork for accelerating negotiations. The presence of top EU leadership during Republic Day could act as a political deadline to push both sides toward a breakthrough.

Why the India–EU FTA Matters

The proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement is strategically significant for both partners. For India, it offers access to one of the world’s largest markets, while helping Indian exporters navigate regulatory challenges such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CBAM-related carbon taxes on exports like steel and aluminium could be eased through cooperation and mutual standards.

For the EU, closer trade ties with India help diversify supply chains away from China, enhance economic security, and support its green transition goals. The agreement is also expected to promote green technology transfers, including hydrogen energy, electric vehicles, and clean manufacturing, while boosting joint investments in renewable energy.

Strategic Significance of the Visit

The decision to invite EU leaders collectively as Republic Day chief guests signals India’s recognition of the EU as a key strategic partner in a multipolar world. Amid global uncertainty, trade fragmentation, and geopolitical tensions, India–EU cooperation represents a shared commitment to rules-based trade, sustainable growth, and democratic values.