PM Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Elevate Strategic Ties in Landmark Ahmedabad Summit
AHMEDABAD, January 12, 2026 — In a move that signals a significant deepening of the Indo-German alliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a high-profile summit in Ahmedabad today. This marks Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to Asia since assuming office last year, underscoring India’s growing importance as a cornerstone of Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of two historic milestones: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
A Blend of Culture and Diplomacy
The day began with a symbolic nod to India’s heritage. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz at the Sabarmati Ashram, where the two leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. In a move that resonated with the local spirit of Gujarat, the leaders also participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, highlighting the “people-to-people” connection that anchors the bilateral relationship.
Strategic Breakthroughs: From Defence to Technology
Following the cultural engagements, the leaders transitioned to delegation-level talks at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Key highlights from the summit include:
- Bilateral Trade Milestone: PM Modi announced that trade between the two nations has reached an all-time high, surpassing $50 billion.
- Defence Industrial Roadmap: Both nations signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to develop a roadmap for long-term defence collaboration, focusing on co-development and co-production of military hardware.
- Green & Sustainable Development: Germany reaffirmed its commitment to the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), with nearly €5 billion already earmarked for renewable energy and green hydrogen projects in India.
- Technology & Innovation: The leaders announced the establishment of an India-Germany Centre of Excellence to foster research in semiconductors, AI, and biotechnology.
“Bilateral trade has crossed the highest-ever level of $50 billion. This reflects the unwavering confidence German companies have in India’s growth story.” — Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Addressing Global Challenges
The summit wasn’t limited to economic ties. In a joint press conference, both leaders took a firm stance on global security. PM Modi described terrorism as a “serious threat to humanity,” with Chancellor Merz echoing the sentiment, pledging closer intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.
The leaders also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the situation in Gaza, with India reiterating its stance on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the India-EU Summit
Chancellor Merz’s visit is seen as a vital precursor to the upcoming India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27. With Germany acting as India’s largest trading partner within the European Union, the progress made today in Ahmedabad is expected to provide much-needed momentum for the long-awaited India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The Chancellor is scheduled to travel to Bengaluru tomorrow to engage with tech leaders and startups, further solidifying the “innovation bridge” between the two nations.
