India–Germany Forge Stronger Ties in Defence, Trade and Critical Technology

Gandhinagar/New Delhi — January 12–13, 2026: India and Germany agreed to significantly deepen bilateral cooperation in defence, trade and critical technology during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chancellor Merz’s two-day visit, his first to Asia since taking office, saw both leaders commit to a strategic upgrade of bilateral ties, encompassing defence industrial collaboration, economic engagement, technology partnerships and people-to-people links.

Landmark Agreements and Strategic Cooperation

A total of 19 agreements and joint declarations were signed between the two nations, covering defence, semiconductors, critical minerals, renewable energy, education, mobility and more. One of the most notable was a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDoI) on Defence Industrial Cooperation, which sets out a roadmap for joint development and co-production of defence platforms and equipment—moving beyond traditional buyer-seller relationships to a long-term industry partnership.

Both leaders also signed a Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership and advanced cooperation in critical minerals, research and development, and green technology. Germany reaffirmed its €1.24 billion commitment under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership to support sustainability initiatives in India.

Economic and Trade Boost

Bilateral trade between India and Germany has surpassed $50 billion, marking a high point in economic engagement. Both countries agreed to strengthen trade and investment flows, with Germany backing the India–EU Free Trade Agreement as a means to unlock further economic potential.

Security and Global Cooperation

In their talks, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz reaffirmed joint opposition to terrorism and committed to enhanced military cooperation, including joint exercises, training exchanges and expanded engagements in naval operations such as MILAN and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium. (The New

The two leaders also addressed major global challenges, underscoring cooperation on security in the Indo-Pacific region, reforms in international institutions, and collective action on climate change.

People-to-People Links and Mobility

Germany announced visa-free airport transit for Indian citizens, a move aimed at boosting tourism, business travel and educational exchanges.

Visit Highlights

During the visit, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz also visited historical sites such as the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, reflecting shared respect for cultural and historical ties.