Germany : India is seen by as a vital defense and commerce partner
Germany: In his first formal visit to India, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made it clear that Berlin now views New Delhi as a key trading, technological, and security partner in a global order that is becoming more and more fragmented. According to an article in India Narrative, the visit, which took place over two days in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, blended high symbolism with a complex agenda on defense, green transition, mobility, and a long-pending trade pact between India and the EU.
Merz was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, where the event combined artistic outreach with political signaling. The official setting for announcements on commerce, defense, and technology was given by bilateral discussions and press conferences in Gandhinagar’s Mahatma Mandir.
According to the story, Merz was joined by a powerful group of 23 German CEOs and business executives, and the visit’s main focus was economics. The justification for a more ambitious goal is strengthened by the fact that Germany already contributes more than 25% of India’s trade with the EU and that bilateral commerce has reached historic highs since 2024, according to both presidents.
Merz noted that the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement might be finalized by the end of January, sending a strong political signal. Additionally, Berlin and New Delhi welcomed a new Joint Declaration of Intent to expand economic cooperation via a German-Indian CEO Forum, which was promoted as a long-term avenue to improve supply chains, technological alliances, and investment.
During a German leader’s visit to India, security and defense industrial collaboration attracted exceptionally high attention. The story notes that Modi and Merz supported a new strategy for defense-industrial cooperation that focuses on long-term technical collaborations and co-development of equipment in India, as well as increased military-to-military interaction via joint drills and senior-level exchanges.
A multi-billion-euro deal to jointly construct submarines in India was discussed by the two nations, bringing India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals into line with Germany’s defense export drive. In addition to defense, the two parties made eight significant announcements in the areas of innovation, digital technology, and renewable energy, as well as 19 Memorandums of Understanding. These agreements were presented as instruments to promote sustainable and green development.
India openly praised Germany’s decision to provide visa-free passage for Indian passport holders, which is anticipated to facilitate travel and commercial connections via German hubs. People-centric initiatives were another noteworthy feature. The report also said that new agreements on youth exchanges, marine heritage, sports cooperation, renewable energy training, higher education, and skilling were highlighted as investments in the partnership’s future.