PM Modi To Host German Chancellor Merz In Gujarat As India-Germany Ties Enter Strategic Phase

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s decision to make India his first official destination sends a strong geopolitical message. Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, Merz’s visit blends symbolism with strategy as India and Germany review 25 years of partnership. Defence cooperation, global security, trade, and the stalled India-EU FTA are key focus areas, with Berlin openly calling India a central partner in a changing world order. From Sabarmati Ashram to Gandhinagar’s bilateral talks, the visit reflects Europe’s growing reliance on India amid global instability. With German defence presence rising in joint exercises and Indian students becoming a backbone of German universities, this visit marks a deeper, more pragmatic phase of India-Germany relations.