Friedrich Merz Begins First Official India Visit; Lands In Gujarat

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Gujarat on Monday to begin his first official visit to India, signalling a renewed push to strengthen ties between New Delhi and Berlin.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited the visit, and the leaders are expected to focus on expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors.

Upon his arrival in Ahmedabad, Chancellor Merz received a ceremonial welcome from Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat.

The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit carries added significance as India and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of their Strategic Partnership.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, the MEA stated that the Chancellor’s discussions with Prime Minister Modi would further strengthen the growing partnership between the two countries.

Talks with PM Modi and Cultural Engagements

During his stay in Ahmedabad, Chancellor Merz is scheduled to hold detailed talks with Prime Minister Modi. Both leaders will also attend the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, highlighting the cultural dimension of the visit.

Subsequently, formal bilateral engagements will take place at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the two leaders will review the progress made under the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. They will also explore ways to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, as well as in technology.

Additionally, the discussions will cover education, skilling, and mobility.

Discussions will also cover defence and security, science and research, innovation, green growth and sustainable development, along with people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments and meet with business and industry leaders from India and Germany.

Ahead of the visit, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to discuss bilateral defence and security cooperation.

Talks included priority areas for co-development and co-production of defence equipment, underlining the expanding scope of strategic engagement.

Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz last met in November on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa. During the meeting, Modi described India-Germany relations as robust. He added that the partnership is steadily expanding, particularly in trade, technology, and innovation.

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