New Delhi: Europe’s top leaders have arrived in New Delhi to participate in Republic Day celebrations on Monday, ahead of a key EU-India Summit and the conclusion of a long-sought free trade agreement. European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in India over the weekend, invited as chief guests of the 77th Republic Day parade. They will hold talks on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the EU-India Summit, where they are expected to announce a comprehensive trade agreement after years of stalled negotiations.

India and the EU aim to deepen ties at the Delhi summit, focusing on trade, security, and climate cooperation amidst ongoing negotiations.

Trade negotiations are nearing the finish line after nearly two decades of hard bargaining on both sides.