German Chancellor Friedrich Merz–PM Modi Talks Next Week: Trade, Technology and Global Security in Spotlight

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit India next week for talks expected to focus on expanding trade, investment and strategic cooperation as New Delhi looks to deepen economic engagement with Europe.

Merz will be in India from January 12–13 on his first visit to the country since becoming chancellor. The trip comes as India seeks to strengthen ties with European partners amid uncertainty in global trade, including recent tariff actions by the United States.The German leader will arrive in Ahmedabad on January 12 and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, before traveling to Bengaluru later in the visit.

“The prime minister will receive Chancellor Merz on January 12 in Ahmedabad,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said. “The two leaders will take stock of the progress made in diverse aspects of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which completed 25 years last year.”According to the ministry, discussions will focus on boosting cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility. The talks are also expected to cover defence and security, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties.Officials familiar with the visit said strengthening trade and investment links will be a central priority for Merz, as India positions itself as a key economic partner for Europe. The visit comes just days before senior European Union leaders arrive in New Delhi for discussions aimed at finalizing the long-pending India–EU free trade agreement.Merz and Modi are also expected to engage with business and industry leaders and exchange views on regional and global developments. The talks will be held under the framework of the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations.The German chancellor’s visit takes place amid a tense global environment marked by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and broader geopolitical uncertainty. Officials said the conflict in Ukraine is likely to figure prominently in the discussions.

Clean energy cooperation is also expected to be reviewed. In 2024, India and Germany launched an Indo-German green hydrogen roadmap to support India’s ambitions in the production, use and export of green hydrogen.“The visit will build on the momentum generated by regular interactions at the highest political level,” the external affairs ministry said. “It will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and Germany to build a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of both countries.”India is also set to host French President Emmanuel Macron next month for an artificial intelligence summit, underlining New Delhi’s broader push to deepen engagement with key European powers.(With PTI inputs)