President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday hosted António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking a historic moment in India-European Union relations. The two EU leaders were the Chief Guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations – the first time the European Union has participated in this capacity – underscoring the growing depth and trust in the India-EU Strategic Partnership.
Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, President Murmu said their presence at the Republic Day celebrations reflected the strength of mutual engagement between India and the EU. She underlined that India and Europe are bound not only by contemporary interests but also by shared values such as democracy, pluralism and an open market economy, which continue to guide both partners in a rapidly changing global environment.
The President noted that over the past two decades, the India–EU Strategic Partnership has grown steadily stronger, driven by a shared aspiration to shape a stable, balanced and rules-based international order. In an era marked by global uncertainty and conflict, she said, India and the European Union carry a joint responsibility to uphold global stability, with their cooperation sending a clear message in favour of diplomacy, multilateralism and peaceful coexistence.
Highlighting economic cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations, President Murmu described trade and investment as instruments of shared prosperity and social progress. She welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, calling it a historic achievement that would bring significant positive changes to the lives of people on both sides.
The President also drew attention to the transformative impact of technology on society and the economy, noting that India and the EU can work together to advance the cause of “responsible innovation.” She said the Security and Defence Partnership concluded during the visit would open new avenues for cooperation between defence industries, while expressing India’s keen interest in expanding collaboration with the EU in clean energy, climate finance and sustainable technologies.
The three leaders expressed confidence that the agreements concluded during the visit would further deepen the India-EU Strategic Partnership. They agreed that India and the European Union are emerging as a force for balance, stability and optimism in global affairs, and together can help shape a future that is sustainable, inclusive and humane.
