A small military contingent from the EU will also be participating in the Republic Day parade on January 26, marking the first time that such a contingent will be taking part in a parade, the people said.
The EU leadership will grace the Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. President of the European Council Antonio Costa and president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will be on a state visit to India from January 25 to 27.
The Summit will witness the announcement of conclusion of negotiations for the FTA that is expected to be signed in a few months after completion of legal procedures including endorsement by the EU Parliament, said the people cited above.
An India-EU Business Forum will be organised on January 27 following the Summit.
A joint statement and joint comprehensive strategic agenda will also be announced during the visit of EU leadership next week, people said. This would include a security and defence pact and the intent to start talks for a security of information agreement between India and the EU. This will be concluded in calendar 2026 itself.
The EU is negotiating a similar agreement with Japan.The bloc would also seek to finalise a defence procurement mechanism with the Indian defence industry, people said. Negotiations for the trade pact were resumed in 2022, and currently the final stages are being negotiated, the people said.
Last Friday, commerce minister Piyush Goyal said the India-EU FTA will be the “mother of all deals” when compared to the seven deals New Delhi has signed so far with “developed” countries.