The European Union’s high-profile participation in India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi has unsettled Khalistani groups and Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence, according to intelligence inputs cited by CNN News18.
This year’s celebrations will feature a marching contingent from the EU, including four flag bearers travelling in two Gypsy vehicles along the parade route. The display coincides with the visit of senior EU leaders Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who will attend the event as chief guests.
India EU Summit and High-Level Engagements
During their visit, Costa and von der Leyen will co chair the 16th India EU Summit scheduled for January 27. The leaders will also call on President Droupadi Murmu and hold both restricted and delegation level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Intelligence sources said the visit goes beyond routine diplomatic protocol. EU diplomats travelling to India have reportedly been briefed on the links between certain Khalistani groups and violent extremist networks.
“The presence of Costa and von der Leyen reflects the EU’s confidence in India’s sovereignty and global standing. The timing is significant,” sources told CNN News18.
Strategic Agenda and Trade Talks
Discussions during the visit are expected to focus on a wide range of strategic areas, including a free trade agreement, defence cooperation, cybersecurity, maritime security and counterterrorism.
The EU and India are in the final stages of negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement that could create a combined market of nearly two billion people, accounting for close to one quarter of global GDP. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has described the talks as potentially historic for EU India economic relations.
Concerns Over Extremist Networks
According to intelligence sources, Khalistani groups see the EU’s growing strategic alignment with India as a setback, as European capitals are increasingly prioritising security cooperation over separatist narratives.
The National Investigation Agency has registered multiple cases linking overseas Khalistani operatives to IED recoveries, targeted killings and grenade attacks. Investigations have revealed recruitment networks operating within India and have documented funding and command structures linked to Pakistan. Sources said EU institutions now view the presence of such groups as a potential security risk within Europe as well.
‘Mother of All Deals’
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos ahead of her India visit, von der Leyen said the EU was on the brink of a historic trade agreement with India amid ongoing geopolitical shocks.
“It is time to seize this opportunity and build a new independent Europe,” she said.
“I will travel to India. There is still work to do, but we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement. Some call it the mother of all deals, one that would create a market of two billion people and nearly a quarter of global GDP.”
