Ahmedabad, India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on 12 January 2026 for a two-day official visit, marking Merz’s first trip to Asia since assuming office. The chancellor arrived with a high-level delegation including 23 leading German CEOs and industry leaders, signalling Germany’s focus on India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.
The visit comes at a historic moment, following the completion of 25 years of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership in 2025 and in commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Modi and Merz paid tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Sabarmati Ashram and participated in Ahmedabad’s annual Kite Festival. Both leaders addressed the India-Germany CEOs Forum, promoting closer business, technological, and industrial collaboration, with Merz also scheduled to visit Bangalore to engage further with Indian industry and technology stakeholders.
During restricted and delegation-level talks on 12 January, Modi and Merz reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and global developments. They reaffirmed shared democratic values, commitment to a rules-based international order, and mutual respect underpinning the Strategic Partnership.
Defence and Security
The leaders agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, building on outcomes from the High Defence Committee meeting held in New Delhi in November 2025. They endorsed expanded military-to-military engagement through joint exercises, training, and exchanges of senior officials, as well as regular reciprocal naval port visits. Germany confirmed participation in India’s Naval Exercise MILAN, the 9th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Conclave of Chiefs in February 2026, and the Air Combat Exercise TARANG SHAKTI in September 2026.
Both nations welcomed the establishment of a new Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue, and progress in defence research including the Eurodrone MALE UAV programme. They signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to develop a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, promoting co-development and co-production of defence platforms and technology transfer. Agreements on Peacekeeping training, Reciprocal Logistics Support, and knowledge exchange in new defence technologies were also discussed.
Modi and Merz condemned terrorism and violent extremism, including cross-border attacks, citing incidents in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025 and Delhi on 10 November 2025. Both leaders pledged strengthened counter-terrorism cooperation and called for international action against terrorist networks, safe havens, and financing in accordance with the UN Charter.
Trade and Economy
Bilateral trade between India and Germany reached a record high of over USD 50 billion in 2024, accounting for more than 25% of India’s trade with the EU. Both leaders welcomed continued growth in trade and investment, encouraging German companies to expand in India and Indian firms to invest in Germany. Sectors identified for collaboration include technology, automotives, defence, shipbuilding, smart infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biotechnology, industrial equipment, engineering, and renewable energy. Support for the India–EU Free Trade Agreement was reiterated.
A Joint Declaration of Intent under the German-Indian CEO Forum was signed to strengthen economic and industry cooperation. Both leaders engaged with leading CEOs to encourage investment in areas such as AI, digitalisation, SMEs, startups, and innovation-driven enterprises.
Technology, Innovation, Science and Research
India and Germany agreed to expand collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, critical minerals, telecommunications, digitalisation, health, bioeconomy, and AI. They signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership and discussed strengthening research and industrial collaboration in semiconductors. The opening of Infineon’s Global Capability Centre in GIFT City was welcomed.
Cooperation in critical minerals, battery technology, green transportation, space, and renewable energy was reinforced, along with joint research under the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre. Progress on Indo-German Centres of Excellence on Innovation, as well as bilateral work on bioeconomy, 3D bioprinting, and genomics, was noted. Collaboration between ISRO and the German Space Agency was also highlighted.
Green and Sustainable Development
The Green and Sustainable Development Partnership reached the midpoint of its commitment period in 2026, with around 5 billion euros already allocated or used from Germany’s total 10 billion euro pledge until 2030. Initiatives include renewable energy, climate mitigation, sustainable urban development, green mobility, forestry, biodiversity, agroecology, circular economy, and skilling. Projects supported include India’s PM e-Bus Sewa, Solar Rooftop Programme, National Green Hydrogen Mission, metro projects in Ahmedabad, Surat and Bangalore, Water Vision 2047, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
Joint working groups were established on solar and wind energy manufacturing and battery storage, with progress on green hydrogen agreements and large-scale offtake deals for Indian-produced green ammonia. Triangular development cooperation projects in Africa, including Ghana, Cameroon, and Malawi, are set to expand.
Indo-Pacific and Global Issues
Modi and Merz reaffirmed support for a free and open Indo-Pacific and respect for international law, announcing a new bilateral Indo-Pacific consultation mechanism. Both leaders reiterated support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor and called for UN Security Council reforms. They expressed concern over the war in Ukraine and welcomed the Gaza Peace Plan and UNSC Resolution 2803, urging full humanitarian access to Gaza.
Climate action, technology transfer, and sustainable energy finance were highlighted, with both leaders calling for accelerated global efforts. Cooperation on global health challenges, including pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and equitable access to healthcare, was also discussed.
Education, Skills and Culture
Both leaders noted growing student exchanges, joint research programmes, vocational training, and skilled migration under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. Visa-free transit for Indian nationals through Germany and initiatives to expand German language teaching in India were announced. Cooperation in maritime heritage, sports, and cultural exchanges was strengthened through MoUs with institutions such as the German Maritime Museum and the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal.
Merz thanked India for its hospitality, and the next India–Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations are scheduled in Germany later in 2026.
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