Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Federal chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, paid an official visit to India from 12-13 January 2026.
This was Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India and his first visit to Asia as Federal Chancellor, reflecting the high priority Germany attaches to India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.
On January 12, 2026, Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Modi had limited, delegation-level discussions in Ahmedabad. They reiterated the Strategic Partnership’s shared democratic ideals, dedication to an international system founded on norms, and respect for one another. In addition to reviewing bilateral relations, both presidents talked about regional and worldwide trends.
Defence and Security
Prime Minister Modi applauded Germany’s intention to take part in Air Combat Exercise TARANG SHAKTI in September 2026, Naval Exercise MILAN, the 9th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs in February 2026, and the deployment of a Liaison Officer to the Information Fusion Center–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Both parties expressed satisfaction with the continued collaboration between the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Eurodrone MALE UAV program, which will allow India to work together, utilise cutting-edge military technology, and fortify its defence and strategic ties with Europe.
TRADE AND ECONOMY
The Leaders welcomed the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent on strengthening the bilateral economic cooperation through the German-Indian CEO Forum, which will further promote business and industry collaboration, supported by the long-standing presence of German businesses in India and Indian businesses in Germany.
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PM Modi and Chancellor Merz welcomed holding of the CEO forum, and interacted with leading CEOs and industry leaders of both sides to encourage more business collaboration and investment in areas such as technology, automotives, defence, shipbuilding, smart infrastructure, pharma, chemicals, bio-technology, industrial equipment engineering and energy.
TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
The leaders noted the extension of tenure of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) and expressed their satisfaction of IGSTC’s flagship role in promoting bilateral industry-academia strategic research in areas of advanced manufacturing, medical technologies, sustainable production, bioeconomy, waste to wealth initiatives, and artificial intelligence for sustainability.
The leaders acknowledged the contribution of programmes under the IGSTC such as (2+2) industry-academia projects and Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER).
GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP
The leaders expressed satisfaction at the outcomes of Triangular Development Cooperation (TDC) projects in Africa and Latin America and reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to mobilizing complementary strengths and capabilities for supporting sustainable and inclusive development in third countries.They welcomed the decision to scale up TDC projects in Ghana, Cameroon and Malawi.
INDO-PACIFIC, CONNECTIVITY AND GLOBAL ISSUES
The two leaders reiterated their concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences.
They expressed support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
EDUCATION, SKILLING, MOBILITY and CULTURE
ndia and Germany share strong historical and cultural connections. The leaders welcomed the MoU between the German Maritime Museum Leibniz Institute for Maritime History (DSM), Bremerhaven, and the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, which will deepen cooperation on maritime heritage and showcase shared elements of maritime history.
In this context, there is renewed interest in museum collaborations. The leaders welcomed the finalization of the JDoI on Cooperation in Sport, which will strengthen collaboration inter alia in athlete training, sports governance, integrity and athletes’ rights, as well as research in sport science.
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Chancellor Merz thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. Both Leaders agreed that the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations will be held in Germany later in 2026 and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepening the Strategic Partnership
