Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday, congratulating him on assuming office and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral Strategic Partnership. The conversation marks a strong gesture of diplomatic continuity and signals closer Indo-German cooperation on global issues, including counter-terrorism, trade, and innovation.
Leaders Pledge Stronger Strategic Ties
During the call, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the steady progress made in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership over the last 25 years. Both leaders agreed to intensify collaboration in critical sectors such as defence, trade and investment, security, and emerging technologies.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted in an official statement that the conversation reaffirmed shared commitments and underscored a desire to “work closely to further strengthen bilateral ties.”
Shared Vision on Global Challenges
The leaders discussed regional and international developments, and reiterated their united stance against terrorism. “We stand together in the fight against terrorism in all its forms,” PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), shortly after the conversation.
The MEA added that both sides agreed on the importance of a rules-based international order and expressed convergence on key global matters.
Warm Diplomatic Gesture from PM Modi
Earlier on May 6, when Friedrich Merz officially assumed office as Germany’s Federal Chancellor, Prime Minister Modi had extended his congratulations through a separate post on X. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with the new leadership in Berlin, stating, “I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.”
Chancellor Merz: “Germany Can Do More”
Chancellor Merz, upon taking office, voiced gratitude and optimism about Germany’s future. “I accept my election as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany with gratitude and respect. I begin this task with courage and confidence. We are a strong country—our country can do more!” Merz said in a public address.
Merz, born in Brilon on November 11, 1955, has been a long-standing figure in German politics. A member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), he began his political journey in the European Parliament in 1989. He later served multiple terms in the German Bundestag, led the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, and became CDU party leader in 2022.
Indian Diaspora in Germany Appreciated
The two leaders acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian community in Germany. The MEA noted the “positive role” played by the diaspora in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering deeper engagement between the two countries.
An Invitation to Strengthen Ties Further
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Chancellor Merz to visit India. The leaders agreed to maintain regular contact, signaling continued diplomatic engagement at the highest level.
The conversation comes at a time when India and Germany are expanding cooperation in clean energy, education, and global governance, building on a partnership that is both strategic and future-focused.
