Hyderabad, Jan. 25 -- As New Delhi gears up to welcome the top leadership of the European Union as the chief guest for this week's Republic Day celebrations and the upcoming summit, the signals from Brussels are increasingly positive.

India and the European Union are set to announce the conclusion of a free trade agreement, the firming up of a defence partnership pact, and a framework for the mobility of Indian professionals at the summit talks next week.

A military contingent from the EU, featuring the military staff flag and the flags of the naval operations Atalanta and Aspides, will participate in the Republic Day parade. It will be the EU's first participation in such an event outside of Europe.

According to Reuters, "Once signed ...