German Chancellor Friedrich Merz begins maiden India visit, to meet PM Modi today

By Admin

12 Jan, 2026

Introduction
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun his first official visit to India, marking a significant moment in India–Germany relations. The two-day visit, undertaken at the invitation of Narendra Modi, is aimed at deepening cooperation between New Delhi and Berlin across strategic, economic and security domains.

Arrival in Ahmedabad and Visit Overview
Chancellor Merz landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Sunday night, formally commencing his maiden India visit. Ahmedabad has been chosen as the focal point of the visit, reflecting the cultural and economic importance of the city in India’s growth story.

Meeting Schedule with PM Modi
The German Chancellor and Prime Minister Modi are set to meet later today in Ahmedabad. Their programme includes a joint visit to the historic Sabarmati Ashram at around 9:30 am, symbolising shared values of peace and cooperation. This will be followed by their participation in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront at about 10 am, showcasing India’s cultural heritage.

Formal bilateral engagements will begin at 11:15 am at Mahatma Mandir, where both delegations will hold detailed talks on key areas of mutual interest.

Talks on Strategic Cooperation
Discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus on reviewing progress under the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently completed 25 years. Officials have indicated that talks will cover strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, advanced technology, education, and mobility. Defence and security collaboration will also feature prominently on the agenda.

Beyond traditional sectors, both sides are likely to explore opportunities in science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and the expansion of people-to-people ties. These areas are seen as crucial for building a future-ready partnership between the two nations.

Context of the Visit
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz last interacted on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where they agreed to further broaden the bilateral strategic partnership. It was during that meeting that PM Modi extended an invitation to the German leader for an official visit to India, setting the stage for the current trip.

The visit also comes ahead of the India–EU Summit scheduled for January 27. Germany remains a key partner for India within the European Union, especially in areas such as manufacturing, clean energy, and defence cooperation.

Conclusion
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s maiden visit to India underscores the growing importance of India–Germany ties in a rapidly changing global landscape. With high-level engagements, cultural interactions, and strategic discussions lined up, the visit is expected to give fresh momentum to the long-standing partnership and pave the way for deeper collaboration in the years ahead.