EU’s Ursula von der Leyen arrives in Delhi; India–EU summit to focus on trade, defence and mobility
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has begun a four-day visit to India ahead of a summit in New Delhi, where leaders are expected to push forward initiatives spanning a free trade agreement, a strategic defence partnership and a framework for mobility of Indian professionals.
- Reporting desk
- Health India Network News Desk
- First published
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in New Delhi for a four-day visit aimed at accelerating major India–European Union initiatives in trade, defence and mobility.
Summit and key expectations
The visit comes ahead of summit talks in New Delhi. Alongside European Council President Antonio Costa, von der Leyen is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 27 January 2026, with officials indicating the summit could advance a long-discussed India–EU free trade agreement and parallel strategic arrangements.
Why this visit is being watched closely
- Trade: Momentum around concluding a long-awaited free trade agreement.
- Defence: Efforts to firm up a strategic defence partnership pact.
- Mobility: A framework to facilitate mobility of Indian professionals.
Both sides are positioning the engagement as a step-up in the India–EU strategic partnership amid shifting global supply chains and evolving security priorities.