India and Germany have announced a wide range of initiatives spanning defence, trade, and technology, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations following a high-level meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gandhinagar.
In order to strengthen defense industrial cooperation, both nations signed a declaration focused on co-development and co-production. The Prime Minister said that India and Germany are not just economic partners, but two nations committed to global peace and stability. Highlighting the strength of the relationship, Mr. Modi noted that the bilateral trade has surpassed a record 50 billion dollars. He remarked that the India-Germany partnership is forward-looking, particularly in areas of green energy and advanced technology, and underscored that the two nations are unanimous in their fight against terrorism, which he termed a serious threat to all of humanity. Chancellor Merz emphasized that these deepening military ties, including increased joint naval and air force exercises, would help India diversify its defense dependencies.
On the economic front, the leaders reiterated their commitment to finalizing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement to unlock further growth.
A major focus of the discussions was skill development and migration. A new framework was established to facilitate opportunities for Indian healthcare professionals and skilled workers in Germany, where demand remains high in the IT and engineering sectors. In the field of innovation, the two countries launched a Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and intensified cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and green ammonia production.
Reflecting their shared cultural heritage, an agreement was signed for the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in collaboration with the German Maritime Museum. On global issues, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz discussed the situation in Ukraine and the urgent need for UN Security Council reforms. Chancellor Merz also addressed the human rights situation in Iran, calling for the protection of peaceful protesters. Both leaders reaffirmed their strong resolve to build secure supply chains and a stable international order.
