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The Indian Express reported that the delegation is likely to include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
However, the official announcement is awaited till the time of writing the news.
According to news agency PTI, the leaders’ visit is expected to coincide with the India-EU leaders’ summit to be held in New Delhi on January 27. This schedule effectively establishes a deadline for both sides to finalize the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.
Strategic invitation to strengthen relations
Inviting the EU leadership as the chief guest holds symbolic significance. New Delhi’s decision reflects a broader diplomatic and economic strategy.
In recent months, relations between India and the 27-member EU have gained momentum, especially since EU commissioners visited India in February this year.
Read more: EU and India aim to seal FTA by year-end as high-level Brussels talks conclude
That visit laid the groundwork for further engagement in trade, defence, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Calculated change amid global uncertainty
According to observers in New Delhi, the timing of the invitation appears to have been deliberately timed, according to the Indian Express.
With unpredictability reportedly emanating from the US administration, EU leaders are presenting themselves as a more “predictable” and reliable partner for India, especially in pursuing an ambitious and strategic roadmap.
While points of friction remain – notably over India’s nuanced stance on Russian oil imports and the war in Ukraine – diplomatic circles argue that consensus outweighs differences.
India-EU FTA talks in final stages
FTA discussions between India and the EU are reaching the final stages as both sides held two high-level meetings in Brussels on November 18 and 19, CNBC-TV18 reported earlier.
Both sides aim to conclude trade discussions by the end of this year and finalize the deal in January next year.