PM Modi to Host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on India Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the latter’s first official visit to India, scheduled for January 12–13. The two-day trip is aimed at further strengthening the India–Germany strategic partnership across key sectors, including trade, investment, and defence cooperation.

First Official Visit to India

The Ministry of External Affairs announced that Prime Minister Modi will receive Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad on January 12. This marks Merz’s maiden visit to India since assuming office as Germany’s chancellor. The choice of Ahmedabad highlights India’s emphasis on combining diplomatic engagements with economic and cultural outreach.

Focus on Bilateral Cooperation

According to the MEA, the visit will focus on enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, defence and security, clean energy, and technology. Germany is one of India’s most important economic partners in Europe, and the discussions are expected to review ongoing initiatives while exploring new areas of cooperation amid shifting global economic and security dynamics.

Engagements in Bengaluru

In addition to Ahmedabad, Chancellor Merz will also travel to Bengaluru, India’s leading technology and innovation hub. The stop is likely to underline growing India–Germany collaboration in areas such as advanced manufacturing, research and development, startups, and digital technologies, where German firms have an expanding footprint in India.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Germany is India’s largest trading partner in the European Union.
• India and Germany share a strategic partnership launched in 2000.
• The Ministry of External Affairs handles India’s foreign relations.
• Bengaluru is a major centre for India’s technology and startup ecosystem.

Strategic and Global Significance

The MEA stated that the visit will build on regular high-level political interactions between the two countries and reaffirm their shared vision for a forward-looking partnership. India and Germany have increasingly coordinated positions on global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and international security, giving the visit wider significance beyond bilateral ties.