Kaja Kallas Arrives in New Delhi to Strengthen India Ties Ahead of Republic Day

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President Kaja Kallas arrived in New Delhi today on her first official visit to India since assuming her current role.

The trip is a key preparatory step for the high-level EU delegation led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa who are on a three day state visit and will attend India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26 as chief guests. This participation highlights the deepening strategic partnership between the two largest democracies amid growing global uncertainties. The leaders will also co-chair the India-EU Summit that will be held on 27th January.

A major focus of Kallas’s agenda is the forthcoming Security and Defence Partnership agreement. The pact aims to boost practical cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism, helping safeguard critical Indo-Pacific sea lanes and reinforce a rules-based international order.

The visit also advances talks on the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), often called the “Mother of all deals”. Covering nearly a quarter of global GDP, the FTA is seen as essential for diversifying supply chains especially in semiconductors, green technologies, and critical minerals to reduce over-dependence on single markets and enhance economic resilience on both sides.

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Despite occasional differences on issues such as the Ukraine conflict and transatlantic shifts, Kallas emphasised India’s indispensable role in addressing these challenges. She underscored shared democratic values as a strong foundation for candid, long-term collaboration.

Discussions will also cover progress under the existing EU-India Trade and Technology Council and steps to improve professional and academic mobility. Collectively, these efforts signal a shift toward a more comprehensive strategic alliance capable of shaping future global governance.

The engagement reflects Brussels’ priority to build mutual trust and resilience with New Delhi in an era of rapid geopolitical change.