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German Chancellor Merz Visits India, Stresses Need for EU Trade Deal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded a two-day official visit to India aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. He engaged in high-level meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including a visit to Sabarmati Ashram and the inauguration of the International Kite Festival. Merz emphasized that concluding a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union is crucial for unlocking full economic potential. The visit coincided with celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Key Points: German Chancellor Merz Concludes India Visit, Pushes for EU FTA

  • Merz concludes two-day official visit
  • Inaugurates kite festival with PM Modi
  • Stresses need for India-EU trade deal
  • Visit marks 75 years of diplomatic ties
2 min read

German Federal Chancellor Merz concludes two-day official visit to India

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concludes a two-day India visit with PM Modi, focusing on trade, investment, and strengthening bilateral strategic ties.

"To tap into the full potential of India-Germany economic relations, we need to conclude the negotiations on a free trade agreement... - Friedrich Merz"

Gandhinagar, January 13

Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz concluded his two-day official visit to India on Tuesday, following a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening India-Germany ties.

According to a press release from the Gujarat CMO, Chancellor Merz participated in several cultural and strategic programmes alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat and attended the India-German CEO Forum, which focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and innovation.

Following his engagements, Chancellor Merz departed from Ahmedabad Airport for Germany, where he received a warm farewell from Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and other senior dignitaries.

Several top officials were present at the airport, including Chief Secretary MK Das, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department Anju Sharma, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner GS Malik, Chief Protocol Officer Jwalant Trivedi, District Collector Sujeet Kumar, and senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the release stated.

Moments after his arrival on early Monday, Chancellor Merz met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and inaugurated the 'International Kite Festival (IKF) 2026' at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad.

The two leaders inaugurated the festival by flying kites, symbolising the strong diplomatic relations and friendship between India and Germany.

Prior to this, both leaders visited the Sabarmati Ashram, where they gave floral tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

During his joint Press Conference with PM Modi, Merz said that concluding the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union is essential to unlocking the full potential of India-Germany economic relations, while describing India as a "desired partner" and a "partner of choice" for Berlin.

Speaking in Gandhinagar, Merz said, "To tap into the full potential of India-Germany economic relations, we need to conclude the negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the European Union."

This was the German Chancellor's first official visit to India, which coincided with celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I appreciate the cultural aspects of the visit - Sabarmati Ashram and the Kite Festival. It shows diplomacy is not just about boardrooms. However, I do hope these talks translate into tangible benefits for small and medium enterprises, not just big corporations.
R
Rohit P
Germany calling India a "partner of choice" is a strong statement. With their engineering prowess and our IT & young workforce, this partnership can create a lot of jobs. The focus on innovation is key for 'Make in India'.
S
Sarah B
Visiting on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations shows the importance Germany places on this relationship. As an expat here, I see huge potential for collaboration in renewable energy and sustainable urban development. A very positive step.
V
Vikram M
Good optics, but the real test is the FTA. EU negotiations are always tough. We need to ensure our farmers and local industries are protected while gaining access to European markets. Tough balancing act for our negotiators.
K
Kavya N
The visit being centered in Gujarat is interesting. Shows the state's growing importance as an industrial and investment hub. The kite festival inauguration was such a wholesome moment! More of this cultural diplomacy, please.

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