- PM Modi welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on his first Asia visit
- Bilateral trade crosses historic $50 billion mark
- India–Germany Centre of Excellence announced for renewable energy
- Defence, skilling, mobility and education cooperation set to deepen
GG News Bureau
Gandhinagar, 12th Jan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India–Germany relations are entering a new phase of trust, technology partnership and strategic cooperation as he held joint talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in New Delhi.
Welcoming Chancellor Merz on his first visit to India and Asia, PM Modi said the visit coincides with Swami Vivekananda Jayanti and symbolically renews the philosophical and cultural bridge between the two nations. He noted that India and Germany have completed 25 years of strategic partnership and are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Highlighting economic ties, the Prime Minister said bilateral trade has crossed the $50 billion mark for the first time, reflecting growing confidence in India’s economy. Over 2,000 German companies operate in India, he said, pointing to expanding investment flows.
In a major announcement, the two countries agreed to establish an India–Germany Centre of Excellence for renewable energy to boost cooperation in clean technologies. New joint projects in climate action, green hydrogen, urban development and sustainable mobility were also unveiled, which Modi said would act as game changers for future energy security.
On defence and security, the Prime Minister thanked Chancellor Merz for easing defence trade processes and announced that both sides will develop a roadmap for co-development and co-production between defence industries.
PM Modi also announced enhanced cooperation in migration, skilling, sports, higher education and healthcare. A Joint Declaration of Intent on Global Skills Partnership was issued to facilitate mobility of healthcare professionals. He invited German universities to open campuses in India and welcomed Germany’s decision to allow visa-free transit for Indian citizens.
He also noted Germany’s participation in the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal and strengthened collaboration in Ayurveda and traditional medicine.
On global issues, the two leaders discussed Ukraine, Gaza and counter-terrorism, reaffirming their shared commitment to peace and security. Modi said India and Germany will continue to jointly push for reforms of global institutions, including the UN Security Council through the G4 framework.
“On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend a warm welcome to you. Today’s discussions will give new direction to the India–Germany partnership,” the Prime Minister said.
