German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has touched down in New Delhi for a significant two-day engagement with India, signaling a new chapter in one of Europe’s most vital partnerships for the nation. Arriving amidst heightened global tensions, his itinerary includes a crucial sit-down with PM Narendra Modi on Sunday and participation in the colorful International Kite Festival.
Over the past years, India-Germany relations have soared, anchored in common democratic principles, robust economic exchanges, defense synergies, green energy pursuits, advanced S&T ventures, cultural bridges, and expanding academic ties. These elements are redefining strategic landscapes across the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
As India’s key European ally, Germany enjoys a special status. Diplomatic ties kicked off on March 7, 1951, with India pioneering the connection. The 75th anniversary looms in 2026, a testament to longevity.
The strategic partnership formalized in 2000 with the 21st Century Agenda, celebrated its silver jubilee in 2025 via a commemorative logo launched by Foreign Ministers Jaishankar and Baerbock.
The IGC mechanism, operational since 2011, ensures thorough reviews and fresh priorities. The latest, the seventh edition, unfolded in New Delhi last October.
Both nations champion multilateralism, a rules-based order, and G4 solidarity on UNSC reforms. Their foreign ministers convened in New York during the 80th UNGA in September 2025.
Reciprocal leadership visits define momentum: Modi’s Berlin and Munich trips in 2022, Scholz’s India visits in 2023 and 2024. Merz and Modi first linked on May 20, 2025, post-elections, then at G7 Canada and G20 Johannesburg later that year.
Germany hosts nearly 300,000 Indian passport holders, with 60,000 students among professionals in IT, finance, research, business, and healthcare driving bilateral growth.
Merz’s landmark visit, his inaugural as chancellor to Asia, sets the stage for enhanced collaboration, promising mutual benefits in trade, tech, and security amid evolving geopolitics.