India's billion-dollar trade deal may be the real show this Republic Day

India and the European Union are preparing to use this year’s Republic Day celebrations as a backdrop for a major economic and strategic reset, with the long-pending India–EU free trade agreement nearing conclusion after nearly two decades of talks. A formal announcement is expected around the India–EU Summit on January 27, when top EU leaders visit New Delhi as chief guests, alongside the signing of a security and defence partnership.