Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met on Monday in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to strengthen economic and security ties between India and Germany. They signed several agreements focused on defence, skill development, health, and education, aiming to reduce dependence on China.
Modi noted that Germany is India’s most important trading partner in the EU and expressed a desire to expand this relationship. The two leaders discussed projects in climate action, energy, and rare-earth elements, and agreed on a roadmap for collaboration between their defence industries. “We want to elevate the relations between India and Germany to an even higher level,” Modi stated.
Germany is working to enhance its defence ties with India, with Thyssenkrupp partnering with Indian firms to build six advanced conventional submarines as part of India’s naval modernisation efforts. Merz highlighted the “tremendous economic potential” shared by both countries and stressed the importance of finalising a free trade agreement between India and the EU to boost economic relations.
During his visit to India—his first to an Asian country since taking office—Merz and Modi participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati riverfront. They toured the Sabarmati Ashram, home to Mahatma Gandhi. An agreement was also signed to facilitate Indian workers’ entry into Germany’s healthcare sector. Merz is set to visit Bengaluru to meet with business and technology leaders.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
