DIVYA DELHI : European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests at India’s Republic Day celebrations next Monday, signalling a major push to strengthen India–EU ties. During their visit, both sides are expected to advance long-pending free trade negotiations, described by von der Leyen and India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal as the “mother of all deals.” The talks gain urgency amid global trade uncertainty and recent tariff tensions involving former US President Donald Trump. Analysts say the move reflects India’s diversified foreign policy and the EU’s search for reliable trade partners. If concluded, the pact could be announced as early as 27 January and would significantly boost trade, market access, and strategic cooperation between India and the European Union.
