German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in India early Monday morning, marking his first official visit to the country since assuming office. He landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad for a two-day visit from January 12 to 13, following an invitation extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is being closely watched in diplomatic circles, as it comes at a time when India and Germany are seeking to deepen cooperation across economic, technological, strategic, and people-centric domains.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Chancellor Merz later in the day in Ahmedabad, where both leaders will engage in a mix of symbolic, cultural, and substantive diplomatic engagements. The choice of Ahmedabad as the starting point of the visit reflects India’s emphasis on blending diplomacy with cultural and historical outreach, a hallmark of recent high-level foreign visits.

A Symbolic Start in Ahmedabad

The visit will begin with a joint visit by Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz to the Sabarmati Ashram at around 9.30 am. The ashram, closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi and India’s freedom struggle, is often showcased to visiting dignitaries as a symbol of India’s civilisational values, non-violence, and moral leadership. For Germany, whose post-war identity has also been shaped by a strong commitment to peace, democracy, and reconciliation, the visit carries symbolic resonance.

Following the ashram visit, the two leaders will attend the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront at approximately 10 am. The festival, a major cultural event in Gujarat held around Uttarayan, has increasingly been used as a platform for cultural diplomacy. Participation by the German chancellor is expected to highlight people-to-people connections and the softer aspects of bilateral relations, complementing the more formal discussions scheduled later in the day.

Formal Talks and Strategic Dialogue

The core of the visit will take place at Mahatma Mandir, where formal bilateral engagements will begin at 11.15 am. Delegation-level talks between India and Germany are expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties under the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently completed 25 years.

Officials from both sides have indicated that the discussions will focus on consolidating existing areas of cooperation while identifying new avenues for collaboration. Trade and investment are expected to feature prominently, given Germany’s position as India’s largest trading partner within the European Union and one of its most significant sources of foreign direct investment.

Germany is a global leader in high-end manufacturing, engineering, and industrial technology, areas that align closely with India’s priorities under initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” Indian officials see strong potential for expanding German investment in sectors such as automobiles, machine tools, electronics, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing.

Technology, Education, and Mobility

Advanced technology cooperation is another major pillar of the discussions. India and Germany already collaborate closely in areas such as artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, semiconductors, and digital transformation. With both countries seeking to reduce strategic dependencies and strengthen resilient supply chains, the visit is expected to give fresh impetus to joint technology initiatives and innovation partnerships.

Education and mobility are also high on the agenda. Germany has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students, particularly in engineering, science, and applied research disciplines. Discussions are expected to focus on easing mobility pathways for students, researchers, and skilled professionals, as well as expanding joint degree programmes, vocational training partnerships, and academic exchanges.

The two sides are also likely to review progress under existing migration and mobility agreements, aimed at addressing skill shortages in Germany while creating legal and structured opportunities for Indian professionals.

Defence, Security, and Global Issues

Defence and security cooperation is another area set to receive attention during the talks. While India and Germany do not have a traditional defence alliance, cooperation has grown steadily in recent years through naval exercises, defence dialogues, and technology exchanges. Germany’s interest in the Indo-Pacific region and India’s growing role as a net security provider have created new opportunities for collaboration in maritime security, cyber security, and defence manufacturing.

The leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific, ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia, and broader challenges to the rules-based international order. Both India and Germany have emphasised the importance of multilateralism, international law, and reform of global institutions, themes likely to feature in their discussions.

Climate, Green Growth, and Sustainable Development

Climate action and sustainable development form a central pillar of the India-Germany partnership. Germany has been a key partner in India’s energy transition, particularly in renewable energy, green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and climate finance. During the visit, both sides are expected to review ongoing cooperation in green and sustainable development and explore ways to scale up joint initiatives.

India’s ambitious climate goals and Germany’s technological expertise and financing capabilities are seen as complementary. Officials have indicated that discussions may include cooperation on climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban development, and circular economy models.

Context of Broader Engagement

Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Modi last met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where they agreed to further broaden the bilateral strategic partnership. During that interaction, Prime Minister Modi invited the German leader to undertake an official visit to India, setting the stage for the current trip.

The visit also comes ahead of the India–European Union Summit scheduled for January 27. As the largest economy in the EU, Germany plays a critical role in shaping Europe’s engagement with India. New Delhi views Berlin as a key interlocutor in advancing cooperation with the EU on trade, technology, clean energy, and strategic issues.

Germany, for its part, sees India as an indispensable partner in Asia, both economically and geopolitically. With global supply chains being reconfigured and geopolitical uncertainties increasing, both countries are keen to anchor their partnership in shared interests and long-term strategic convergence.

Looking Ahead

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first visit to India is being framed as both a reaffirmation of the strong foundations of the India-Germany relationship and an opportunity to chart a forward-looking agenda. The combination of cultural engagements in Ahmedabad and substantive policy discussions reflects the multidimensional nature of the partnership.

As India and Germany look ahead to the next phase of their strategic relationship, the outcomes of this visit are expected to influence not only bilateral ties but also India’s broader engagement with Europe. With shared commitments to democracy, innovation, sustainability, and global stability, the visit underscores the growing importance of India-Germany cooperation in an increasingly complex international landscape.