NewKerala.com

India-Germany Forge Stronger Ties: Merz Calls for Swift India-EU FTA Deal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during his visit to Gujarat, emphasized that concluding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement is crucial to fully realizing the economic potential between India and Germany. He described India as a "partner of choice" for Germany, highlighting the strategic importance of the relationship. The leaders signed a defence industry MoU to enhance cooperation in production, innovation, and supply chains. The visit marks 75 years of diplomatic relations and aims to elevate bilateral ties to a new level amidst a changing global order.

Key Points: Germany's Merz: India-EU FTA Key to Unlocking Economic Potential

  • India-EU FTA essential for economic ties
  • Defence industry MoU signed for innovation
  • Celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations
  • Strategic partnership amid changing world order
3 min read

India-EU FTA needed to tap full potential of India-Germany economic ties: Chancellor Merz says India is 'partner of choice' for Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, visiting Gujarat with PM Modi, urges conclusion of India-EU Free Trade Agreement to deepen strategic and defence ties.

"India is a desired partner, a partner of choice for Germany. - Friedrich Merz"

Gandhinagar, January 12

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said that concluding the negotiation of the Free Trade Agreement 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, during a joint Press Conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chancellor 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."

Highlighting the importance Germany attaches to its partnership with India, Merz said, "India is a desired partner, a partner of choice for Germany," underlining the strategic and economic significance of bilateral ties.

Addressing global developments, the German Chancellor said the international order is undergoing significant change and noted the strategic importance of defence cooperation between the two countries.

He further noted that both sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in defence industry development, production, innovation, and strengthening global supply chains.

"The world order is changing as we meet here. It is marked by great power politics and thinking of spheres of influence. We have to brace ourselves against the rough winds," the Chancellor said.

"We want to deepen cooperation of our defence industries and this has strategic significance... We signed an MoU on closer cooperation between our defence industries on the development, production and promotion of innovation and the strengthening of global supply chains," he added.

During the joint press conference, the German Chancellor said both countries aim to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

"We want to elevate the relations between India and Germany to an even higher and new level," Merz said.

Thanking PM Modi for inviting him to Gujarat, Merz added, "You invited me to visit your home state of Gujarat. I express my heartfelt gratitude for this special gesture. It is a sign of very deep ties between our two countries, but it is also a testament of friendship towards me."

Chancellor Merz's remarks came during his first official visit to India, which coincides with celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, as both nations seek to further deepen cooperation across economic, strategic and global issues.

Friedrich Merz is currently on a two-day official visit to India, marking the first such visit since assuming office.

The visit is expected to build on momentum from regular high-level political interactions and provide an opportunity to reaffirm India and Germany's shared vision to develop a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of both countries and the wider global community.

The German Chancellor is in India from January 12 to January 13. On January 13, Merz will visit Bosch, then Nano Science and Engineering, CeNSE, and depart for Germany.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good to see the focus on defence cooperation. We need to reduce dependency on single sources for critical defence equipment. Collaborating with Germany on innovation and production can make our defence sector more self-reliant. The MoU is a step in the right direction.
A
Aman W
While the FTA is important, I hope our negotiators are careful to protect our farmers and small industries. European standards can be very tough. The deal must be fair and not just favour large corporations. Let's make sure 'Make in India' benefits first.
P
Priyanka N
Inviting him to Gujarat was a smart diplomatic move. It showcases our development model and industrial potential directly. Such personal gestures build stronger ties. Hoping this visit translates into more German companies setting up plants here, creating jobs for our youth.
K
Karthik V
The timing is perfect with 75 years of diplomatic relations. Germany recognizing the changing world order and choosing to deepen ties with India is a testament to our growing global stature. This partnership can be a counterbalance in a multipolar world. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
As someone working in the auto sector, the Bosch visit is key. German engineering combined with Indian software talent can create next-gen solutions, especially in EVs. Strengthening these supply chains is crucial for global competitiveness. Hope the FTA eases movement of skilled professionals too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50