In a significant diplomatic engagement on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday, marking their first formal interaction since Merz took office in May 2025. The meeting reaffirmed the robust India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which completes 25 years this year.
Held in the picturesque setting of Kananaskis, Alberta, the meeting underscored mutual commitments to deepen cooperation in trade, defence, technology, green energy, and the global fight against terrorism.
First Bilateral Since Leadership Change in Germany
This was Prime Minister Modi’s first meeting with Chancellor Merz following his recent electoral win and appointment as Germany’s new head of government. Modi extended his congratulations and also expressed gratitude for the condolences extended by the German government over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad last week.
Strategic Partnership Marks 25 Years: Focus on Innovation, Sustainability, Defence
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi wrote:
“Delighted to hold talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada. India and Germany are close friends, connected by shared values. This year we mark 25 years of our Strategic Partnership. We discussed how to work even more closely in areas like IT, manufacturing, semiconductors, sustainability, research and innovation.”
He further added:
“Chancellor Merz and I also had discussions on deepening defence and security linkages. We will keep working together in areas like counter terrorism and striking down on terror financing.”
The leaders reviewed the sustained momentum in the bilateral relationship and identified next steps in advancing cooperation in emerging sectors. Germany remains one of India’s most significant partners in Europe, with shared interests in economic development, global governance, and environmental sustainability.
MEA Highlights Comprehensive Dialogue
In a parallel post, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal offered further insight into the bilateral dialogue:
“India-Germany… Commemorating steadfast 25 years of Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi met Chancellor Friedrich Merz @_FriedrichMerz of Germany on the sidelines of #G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen India-Germany bilateral cooperation in key areas of trade & investment, defence & security, green & sustainable development partnership, green energy, technology, innovation, education and mobility. They also exchanged views on regional & international developments.”
United Against Terrorism
A core theme of the meeting was security cooperation. Both sides agreed on the need to counter global terrorism and disrupt financial networks that fuel extremist activity. PM Modi specifically thanked Chancellor Merz for Germany’s support of India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The leaders “condemned terrorism in all its forms” and reiterated their commitment to collaborate on intelligence sharing and strategic deterrence.
Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
The discussions also reflected strong alignment on climate change and sustainable development goals. Germany and India have previously partnered on green energy transition initiatives, and both leaders expressed interest in expanding this cooperation under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership signed in 2022.
Next Steps: State Visit on the Horizon
The meeting concluded with PM Modi extending a formal invitation to Chancellor Merz to visit India at a mutually convenient date. Both leaders expressed confidence that their governments would build on current momentum to unlock new opportunities in bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
With shared democratic values, economic synergy, and geopolitical alignment, the India-Germany relationship is poised to enter a new chapter—one driven by innovation, security, and sustainable growth.
