German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad on Sunday, marking the start of his first official visit to India from January 12 to 13.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is aimed at further strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad later today. The two leaders will begin their engagements with a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram at around 9:30 am, followed by participation in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront around 10 am. Formal bilateral talks will commence from 11:15 am at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz are expected to review the progress of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently completed 25 years. Talks will focus on deepening cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, as well as defence and security, science and research, innovation, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global developments and interact with business and industry leaders from both countries. According to official statements, the visit is expected to build on the momentum generated by regular high-level political engagements and reaffirm the shared commitment of India and Germany to a forward-looking and mutually beneficial partnership.
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz last met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where they agreed to further expand the scope of the bilateral strategic relationship. It was during that interaction that Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Merz for an official visit to India. The timing of the visit is also significant as it precedes the India–European Union Summit scheduled for January 27.
Underscoring the importance of the visit, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann on Saturday highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Germany, particularly in the areas of defence and security, noting that the strategic partnership between the two nations has steadily strengthened over the years.
