German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Begins First Official Visit to India, Focus on Trade, Technology and Strategic Ties

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday began his first official state visit to India, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The two-day visit, taking place in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, comes at a crucial time as India and the European Union prepare for an upcoming summit where a long-awaited free trade agreement is expected to be discussed.

Merz’s visit underlines Germany’s growing interest in deepening economic, technological and strategic cooperation with India, which has emerged as a key global partner amid shifting geopolitical and economic realities.

Warm Welcome in Ahmedabad

The German Chancellor arrived in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in the early hours of Monday and was formally welcomed later in the day by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ahmedabad holds symbolic and political significance, being the Prime Minister’s home state and an important industrial and cultural centre.

Large welcome displays across the city highlighted the importance of the visit, reflecting the emphasis both nations place on their partnership. The two leaders began the visit by paying tribute at Sabarmati Ashram, the historic residence of Mahatma Gandhi during India’s freedom movement. Chancellor Merz toured the ashram, signed the visitor’s book and viewed exhibits that highlight Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and self-reliance.

Officials described the visit to the ashram as a gesture underscoring shared democratic values and historical respect between India and Germany.

Bilateral Talks Between Modi and Merz

Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz later held bilateral talks along with their respective delegations. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, defence, technology, education and clean energy.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the meeting aimed to review progress under the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, which completed 25 years recently. Both sides explored ways to enhance collaboration amid global economic uncertainty and evolving international alignments.

Sources indicated that economic cooperation, supply chain resilience and industrial partnerships featured prominently in the talks, especially as German companies look to diversify investments and manufacturing bases in Asia.

Trade and Free Trade Agreement in Focus

The timing of Chancellor Merz’s visit is significant, coming just weeks ahead of the EU–India Summit, where a long-pending free trade agreement is expected to be a central agenda item. Germany, as Europe’s largest economy, plays a key role in shaping the EU’s economic engagement with India.

Analysts believe that closer India–Germany ties could provide momentum to broader EU–India economic cooperation, benefiting sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and digital technology.

Germany is already one of India’s most important European trading partners, with several German companies operating across sectors ranging from engineering to information technology.

Cultural Moment at International Kite Festival

Beyond formal diplomacy, the visit also included cultural engagement. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz attended the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati riverfront, sharing a light-hearted moment that quickly drew public attention.

Visuals of the two leaders flying kites together circulated widely, symbolising people-to-people connections and cultural exchange. The festival, which marks the transition from winter to summer, is a major cultural event in Gujarat and provided an informal setting for showcasing Indian traditions.

Defence Cooperation and Submarine Discussions

One of the key strategic aspects of the visit is the potential progress on a submarine manufacturing partnership between India and Germany. Negotiations are underway for a major project involving joint construction of submarines in India, aligning with New Delhi’s focus on domestic manufacturing and technology transfer.

Defence experts note that such cooperation would not only strengthen India’s maritime capabilities but also deepen long-term industrial collaboration between the two countries. For Germany, the partnership represents an opportunity to expand its defence industry presence in a rapidly growing market.

Visit to Bengaluru: Technology and Innovation Hub

On Tuesday, Chancellor Merz is scheduled to visit Bengaluru, widely regarded as India’s technology and innovation capital. The city hosts numerous global technology firms, including several German companies operating in areas such as engineering, automotive technology and digital solutions.

The Bengaluru leg of the visit is expected to focus on innovation, startups, artificial intelligence, and skill development, highlighting the shared interest of both countries in future-oriented technologies.

A Visit with Long-Term Implications

Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India as Germany’s leader signals a renewed emphasis on Asia in Berlin’s foreign policy approach. In an increasingly interconnected world marked by economic shifts and global challenges, both India and Germany see value in closer cooperation.

The visit is expected to set the tone for future engagement, paving the way for stronger economic ties, strategic collaboration and people-to-people exchanges. As discussions progress at the political and industry levels, the outcomes of this visit could shape India–Germany relations for years to come.