Overview
- EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc has agreed to proceed with an EU‑India Security and Defence Partnership, with signing planned at the Jan. 27 summit.
- The defence framework will expand cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity and counter‑terrorism, and launch talks on a Security of Information Agreement to enable classified exchanges.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa will attend India’s Republic Day on Jan. 26 and co‑chair the summit the following day.
- Officials say leaders expect to announce the conclusion of FTA negotiations, adopt a Comprehensive Strategic Agenda for 2030, and finalise a mobility framework for students, researchers, seasonal workers and highly skilled professionals.
- Negotiators are still working through sensitive issues such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and agricultural market access, and any FTA will require legal scrubbing and approval by the European Parliament and Council before it can take effect.