Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz Strengthens Ties with India: A New Era of Cooperation

Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany has made his first official visit to India, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties in trade, technology, and security. The two-day visit included significant discussions on the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement and various collaborations in defense and clean energy. With a delegation of top German CEOs, Merz's visit aims to enhance economic cooperation and foster a new era of partnership between the two nations. Key agreements were signed, including measures to ease travel for Indian passport holders, showcasing a commitment to future generations. Discover the full details of this pivotal visit.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 14, 2026, 15:13 IST

Strengthening Indo-German Relations

New Delhi: Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany has embarked on his inaugural official visit to India, emphasizing Berlin's recognition of New Delhi as a vital ally in trade, technology, and security amidst a fragmented global landscape. The two-day visit, which took place in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, was marked by significant symbolism and a comprehensive agenda covering defense, green initiatives, mobility, and the long-awaited India-EU trade agreement, as reported by a news outlet.

During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Merz in Ahmedabad, where the agenda seamlessly integrated political discussions with cultural engagement. Formal talks and press briefings at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar set the stage for key announcements regarding trade, defense, and technological collaboration.

The economic aspect was a focal point of the visit, with Merz accompanied by a delegation of 23 prominent German CEOs and industry leaders. Both leaders acknowledged that Germany constitutes over 25% of India's trade with the EU, with bilateral trade reaching unprecedented levels since 2024, reinforcing the need for a more ambitious partnership.

Merz conveyed strong political support for the long-stalled India-EU Free Trade Agreement, indicating that the deal could be finalized by the end of January. Both nations also welcomed a new Joint Declaration of Intent aimed at enhancing economic collaboration through a German-Indian CEO Forum, envisioned as a permanent platform to foster investment, technological partnerships, and resilient supply chains.

The discussions also placed a significant emphasis on security and defense cooperation, which is notable for a German leader's visit. Modi and Merz advocated for increased military engagement through joint exercises and high-level exchanges, and they endorsed a new roadmap for defense-industrial collaboration focused on long-term technology partnerships and co-development of military equipment in India.

The two countries explored a multi-billion-euro initiative to collaboratively construct submarines in India, aligning Germany's defense export strategy with India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. In addition to defense, the two sides signed or exchanged 19 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and made eight major announcements related to clean energy, digital technology, and innovation, all framed as essential tools for promoting green and sustainable development.

Another significant aspect of the visit was the people-centric measures, highlighted by India's welcome of Germany's decision to permit visa-free transit for Indian passport holders, which is expected to facilitate travel and business connectivity through German hubs. New agreements covering higher education, skill development, renewable energy training, sports collaboration, maritime heritage, and youth exchanges were presented as investments in the future of the partnership.