German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Begins First Non-European Bilateral Visit in India, to Meet PM Modi Today
Merz’s two-day visit marks 25 years of India–Germany Strategic Partnership and underscores Berlin’s growing focus on India amid shifting global trade and security dynamics.
India, Jan 12 : German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad on Monday for a two day official visit to India, marking his first bilateral trip outside NATO and the European Union since assuming office.
The visit comes at a significant juncture as India and Germany celebrate 25 years of their Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. Officials said the timing reflects Germany’s increasing emphasis on India as global trade patterns, supply chains and security dynamics undergo major shifts.
Merz was received at the airport by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, officials said.
Later in the day, the German Chancellor is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
Agenda for Modi–Merz talks
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the two leaders are expected to review bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defence and security, trade and investment, technology, mobility, science and innovation, education and skilling, green development, and people-to-people ties.
The proposed India–European Union Free Trade Agreement is also likely to feature prominently, along with discussions on developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
“Germany sees India as a stabilising partner in the region,” officials said, citing global economic uncertainty, trade disruptions and evolving geopolitical challenges.
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru visits highlight economic focus
During his stay in Ahmedabad, Chancellor Merz will visit Sabarmati Ashram, attend the International Kite Festival, and tour Dandi Kutir, officials said.
On January 13, he will travel to Bengaluru, where his programme includes a visit to Bosch’s Adugodi campus to review cooperation in advanced manufacturing and innovation. He is also scheduled to visit the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering to engage with India’s research and technology ecosystem.
Officials described the visit as strategically important, noting that it reflects Germany’s intent to strengthen economic resilience, expand defence and technology collaboration, and diversify global supply chains through closer engagement with India.
