German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will pay an official visit to India on January 12 and 13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first official trip to the country since assuming office. The two-day visit will include stops in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
First official India visit
This will be Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India. During the visit, he will travel to Ahmedabad and later to Bengaluru, with the trip expected to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across economic, strategic and technological domains.
Modi-Merz talks in Ahmedabad
Prime Minister Modi will receive the German Chancellor in Ahmedabad on January 12, where the two leaders will hold talks under the framework of the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations. The discussions will review progress made across various aspects of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which completed 25 years last year.
“The prime minister will receive Chancellor Merz on January 12 in Ahmedabad. The two leaders will take stock of the progress made in diverse aspects of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership,” the MEA said in a statement.
Focus on trade, technology and defence cooperation
According to the MEA, the talks will focus on intensifying cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility. The leaders are also expected to advance collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people relations.
Engagement with business and industry leaders
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz will also engage with business and industry leaders during the visit and exchange views on regional and global issues. People familiar with the visit said strengthening trade and investment ties will be a key focus of the German leader’s trip, news agency PTI reported.
Bengaluru leg of the visit
After completing his engagements in Ahmedabad, Chancellor Merz will travel to Bengaluru, where discussions are expected to centre on technology, innovation and research cooperation.
Visit amid broader European outreach
The German Chancellor’s visit comes as India seeks to deepen its economic engagement with Europe. It is taking place days ahead of the expected arrival of senior European Union leaders in New Delhi for talks aimed at finalising the long-pending India-EU free trade agreement.
Building on strategic momentum
The MEA said the visit will build on the momentum generated by regular interactions at the highest political level. “It will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and Germany to build a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of the people of both countries and the wider global community,” the ministry said.
India and Germany have expanded cooperation in emerging areas in recent years. In 2024, the two countries launched the Indo-German green hydrogen roadmap to support India’s ambitions in the production, use and export of green hydrogen, reflecting the growing focus on clean and sustainable technologies in bilateral ties.
