Germany’s newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz touches down in India today for a crucial two-day visit, highlighting the robust momentum in bilateral relations. The highlight? A face-to-face summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, promising to chart new paths in economic and strategic cooperation.
Kicking off in New Delhi, Merz’s packed schedule includes courtesy calls and preparatory meetings before the flight to Gujarat. The Modi-Merz dialogue is poised to address pressing global challenges, including energy security, technology transfers, and countering supply chain disruptions exacerbated by recent conflicts.
Trade volumes between India and Germany have surged past €20 billion annually, driven by sectors like machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Expect announcements on easing visa norms for skilled workers and boosting investments in India’s defense manufacturing corridor.
On the geopolitical front, discussions will touch upon the Ukraine situation, Indo-Pacific stability, and multilateral forums like the G20 and Quad. Germany’s increasing interest in the Indo-Pacific aligns seamlessly with India’s vision of a free and open region.
Innovation hubs and R&D partnerships will take center stage, with German giants like Siemens and Bosch eyeing expansions in India’s smart cities and EV ecosystem. Climate diplomacy forms another pillar, with joint commitments to net-zero targets and circular economy principles.
Merz will also engage with Indian industry captains at a dedicated roundtable, fostering direct B2B linkages. Symbolic gestures, such as the launch of a Indo-German skill development center, will underscore long-term human capital investments.
As the visit wraps up, both sides are optimistic about elevating their ‘Special and Strategic Partnership’ to unprecedented heights, ensuring mutual prosperity in an uncertain world.