EU foreign policy chief Kallas visits New Delhi ahead of major India-EU summit and trade deal progress.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas arrived in New Delhi on January 24 for her first official visit to India, a significant step toward strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership. The visit, welcomed by India's Ministry of External Affairs, comes ahead of the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, when a new Security and Defence Partnership focusing on maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber defence is expected to be signed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is scheduled to visit India the following weekend, confirmed that a major free trade agreement between the EU and India is nearing completion, potentially opening up a market of 2 billion people. The EU leaders will serve as Chief Guests at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations, as well as participate in high-level talks and an India-EU Business Forum, highlighting the importance of strengthening strategic, economic, and security cooperation.