Gandhi Nagar, January 12, 2026, 07:58 p.m. IST
Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz strengthen India–Germany ties with defence, trade, and technology pacts in Gandhinagar, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations and advancing global cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held extensive talks in Gandhinagar on January 12, 2026, elevating bilateral ties through multiple pacts on defence, trade, and technology during Merz’s inaugural official visit to India.
The discussions, attended by key ministers and a 25-member German CEO delegation, mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of strategic partnership.
Defence and Security Advancements
Leaders endorsed a Joint Declaration of Intent for a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, focusing on co-development, co-production, and supply chain integration. They committed to increased military exchanges, joint exercises like MILAN and Tarang Shakti, and Germany’s liaison officer deployment to India’s Information Fusion Centre in the Indian Ocean Region.
Negotiations advanced on an $8 billion submarine project between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, featuring full technology transfer, though no final contract was signed.
Economic Milestones and Trade Surge
Bilateral trade hit a record $51.23 billion in goods and services for 2024-25, with Germany as India’s top EU partner, accounting for over a quarter of EU trade. Agreements targeted semiconductors, critical minerals, biotech, quantum tech, and a Hyderabad Centre of Excellence for renewable energy skills. Both urged a swift conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement ahead of the January 27 summit.
Strong ties between India and Germany benefit the people of our nations and contribute to a better planet. Today's outcomes reflect the multifaceted cooperation between our nations. https://t.co/cvhVkF5kMx
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 12, 2026
Cultural and Global Engagements
Modi hosted Merz at Sabarmati Ashram for Gandhi tributes, followed by the International Kite Festival, where they flew a Hanuman-themed kite. Pacts included Gujarat Ayurveda University’s collaboration and Germany’s Maritime Museum joining India’s Lothal heritage complex. On global fronts, they condemned terrorism, backed Global South initiatives, and launched an Indo-Pacific consultation mechanism.
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