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NEW DELHI: The presence of EU leaders at the Republic Day parade underscores the growing strength of the India-EU partnership and their commitment to shared values, said PM Narendra Modi as he welcomed European Commission and Council presidents, Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, respectively, on Kartavya Path on Monday.The EU leaders’ attending the parade, which included a display of Russian weapon systems, as chief guests reinforced the shared intent to deepen the India-EU strategic partnership in a fractured world. The 16th India-EU summit on Tuesday is expected to see several major outcomes, including a successful conclusion of the trade negotiations and the signing of what von der Leyen has described as a potentially game-changing security and defence partnership. In all, 8-12 agreements are to be signed during the summit.“India is privileged to host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during our Republic Day celebrations. The visit will add momentum to the deepening engagement and cooperation between India and Europe across diverse sectors,” Modi wrote on X.Von der Leyen reciprocated the sentiment as she said a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure and benefits all. “Europe and India are the world’s largest democracies, committed to working together to shape a new global order. This is why we are here to take our partnership to new heights,” said von der Leyen, after the At Home ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.She added display of the flags of EU, EU Military Staff and its maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES at R-Day was a powerful symbol of the deepening security cooperation between the two sides. “It will culminate tomorrow in the signing of our security and defence partnership.” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also attended the parade that displayed, among others, Russian designed weapon systems — T-90 tanks, BrahMos missiles and S-400 air defence system. As it looks to seal the trade deal with India, Brussels has in past few months cut down on the rhetoric on India’s ties with Russia and said it’s looking to forge a reliable partnership with Delhi that’s anchored respect for each other’s security concerns. “There is strong momentum for closer cooperation with India… At the summit, we will take our ties forward by signing the EU-India Security and Defence Partnership,” he said.
