Prime Minister Narendra Modi Invites German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for Official Visit to India

The Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Friedrich Merz, is set to undertake an official visit to India on January 12-13, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This visit represents Chancellor Merz's first official engagement with India and underscores the continued emphasis on strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Strategic Partnership Review

Prime Minister Modi will receive Chancellor Merz in Ahmedabad on January 12, 2026. During this meeting, both leaders will review progress achieved across the diverse dimensions of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which marked its 25th anniversary in 2025. The discussions will encompass multiple sectors critical to both nations' development priorities and shared interests.

Focus Areas for Collaboration

The bilateral engagement will centre on intensifying cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility initiatives. The agenda includes advancing collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation and research, and green and sustainable development. People-to-people relations will also feature prominently in the discussions, reflecting the cultural and social foundations of the partnership.

Business and Industry Engagement

Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz will engage with business and industry leaders and exchange views on issues of regional and global importance. The Chancellor's travel will include Bengaluru alongside Ahmedabad, facilitating engagement across different economic hubs.

The visit builds upon momentum sustained through regular high-level interactions between both nations and provides an opportunity to reaffirm their shared vision. This engagement reinforces India and Germany's commitment to developing a forward-looking partnership aimed at benefiting their respective populations and contributing to the broader global community.