German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s India Visit LIVE: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Amid Global Challenges
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's India Visit LIVE: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Amid Global Challenges
January 12, 2026
New Delhi, India - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in India on a two day trip to improve economic and security relations between the third and fourth largest economies in the world. The visit by Merz to the Asian continent is his first visit in Asia after assuming office in May 2025, preceding the EU-India summit and as the two countries grapple with a free trade agreement.
The visit of the Chancellor shows that India is an important strategic partner to Germany, particularly with the dynamics in the world that is being driven by the US and China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host Merz in Ahmedabad, the state of Gujarat, then go to Bengaluru, the Indian southern technology centre.
Strengthening Defence Ties
Prime minister Modi received Chancellor Merz with a warm welcome on the increased co-operation between India and Germany in military and security. According to Modi, the improved relationship between the two countries in this field was a measure of the confidence that both countries had in each other and their future.
Common practices India and Germany have common priorities in the renewable energy sector and we will develop the India-Germany Centre of Excellence to strengthen our collaboration, said Modi. Moreover, the two leaders celebrated the increasing level of trade and investment relationships, as the bilateral trade had been increasing to USD 50 billion.
Historic Milestone in Diplomatic Relations
The 75 th anniversary of India-Germany diplomatic relations is in the year 2026 and the strategic partnership between the two nations is 25 years old. These milestones, according to Modi, were symbolic, but acted as reminders of their common aspirations and the trust they had to each other. Our partnership is also being renewed by the increasing trade and investment relations, he added.
Global and Regional Cooperation
The leaders also deliberated on other global and regional matters, as Chancellor Merz pointed out that Germany was in support of the role that India played in combating climate change and global security issues. Also, the topics in technology, education, and movement between the two countries, and possible agreements on defence were discussed.
Renewed Focus on Skilled Labour and Student Exchange
In India and Germany, where both countries seek enhanced bilateral cooperation, the issue of skilled labour was on the limelight. Germany encounters a labour shortage, particularly in the industries of IT and healthcare, so both nations talked about hiring more Indian professionals in the German workforce.
Another topic that the two leaders discussed was the simplification of mobility regulations of Indian students who have chosen Germany as their destination to attain an education.
Submarine Deal and Defence Industry Cooperation
The security cooperation could also be enhanced as there are talks of a possible agreement between the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in Germany and the Indian Navy to make six submarines. This contract would also replace the old fleet of India and will have technology transfers to strengthen the domestic defence sector in India.
A Step Need Help Towards a Stronger Future
The visit by Chancellor Merz highlights the increasing role of the relationship between India and Germany, and both nations seek to develop on the basis of mutual trust and shared interests in such spheres as trade, technology, defence, and climate action.
Live updates on this visit will be provided, and the most significant moments of this historic bilateral engagement will be followed.
Live Updates
Jan 12, 2026, 13:39 (IST)
Prime Minister Modi Hails Strengthened India-Germany Defence Ties
Prime Minister Modi lauded increased collaboration in defence and security involving India and Germany noting that it was a show of confidence in one another. He also stressed on the common agenda in the renewable energy sector as both countries are still striving to establish an India-Germany Centre of Excellence.
Jan 12, 2026, 13:38 (IST)
Merz on Iran: "Brutal Violence Against Protesters a Sign of Weakness"
German Chancellor Merz criticized the application of violent methods in dealing with protesters by Iran because he described it as a weakness. Merz had identified the need to end this violence during his visit to India when he emphasized the need to resolve them peacefully.
Jan 12, 2026, 12:52 (IST)
PM Modi Welcomes Merz to Sabarmati Ashram
Prime minister Modi, gave Chancellor Merz a warm welcome in Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad, and the first visit of Merz to India began. The highlight of the trip is the visit to Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi used to live in underlining the cultural and diplomatic importance of the visit.
Jan 12, 2026, 10:51 (IST)
What’s on the Agenda for Merz's India Visit
In the course of his visit, Chancellor Merz will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Modi where he will focus on the main sectors of collaboration between both countries in terms of trade, defence issues, renewable energy, and education. The leaders will also look at the developments towards the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
For live updates, follow the official page here: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in India - NDTV
Reference taken from: NDTV - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in India LIVE
