New Delhi, Jan 25 (NationPress) European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who have been invited as Chief Guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, were given a grand ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour here on Sunday.

Upon their arrival for the state visit, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada greeted Costa at the airport.

"India-EU: A partnership of Trust and Reliability. A warm welcome to the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, as he reaches New Delhi for his State Visit to India. Received by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada," noted Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a post on X.

During the event, both Presidents Costa and von der Leyen were honored with a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. They are the Chief Guests for India's 77th Republic Day celebrations, and their visit is intended to strengthen the India-EU Strategic Partnership, the spokesperson added.

Costa expressed his sentiments, stating he is "honored" to be in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit coinciding with India's Republic Day.

"Honored to be in New Delhi for the 16th EU-India Summit on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day. Celebrating a robust and growing EU-India partnership—from trade and security to clean energy transitions and vibrant people-to-people ties," he posted on X.

Von der Leyen arrived in India a day prior and was also welcomed by Minister Prasada.

According to a statement from the European Council, Costa and von der Leyen will represent the EU at the summit scheduled for January 27 in New Delhi, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Before his arrival, Costa remarked: "India is a vital partner for the EU. Together, we hold the capability and responsibility to uphold the rules-based international order."

The European Council highlighted that the summit will provide an opportunity to build on the EU-India strategic partnership and enhance collaboration in critical policy domains such as trade, security, defense, clean transitions, and people-to-people cooperation.

During the summit, leaders are expected to establish a comprehensive strategic agenda aimed at enhancing cooperation between both parties in four key areas, supported by enablers across pillars: prosperity and sustainability, technology and innovation, security and defense, as well as connectivity and global issues.

Furthermore, discussions will touch upon trade amidst ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement that began in 2007. The summit will emphasize closer cooperation between the EU and India in security and defense. Additionally, leaders will address regional and global issues, particularly the necessity of an effective multilateral system, a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the situation in the Middle East.