‘Protectionism hurts us both’: Merz pushes deeper India-Germany security ties as trade tops $50 billion
The visit also marked a turning point in trade; Modi announced that trade between the two countries has exceeded $50 billion. Various Memorandums of Understanding were signed in the presence of both leaders, paving the way for cooperation in many sectors, including technology, defence, renewable energy and education. Notably, India and Germany will establish an India-Germany Center of Excellence focusing on innovation and joint development.
On global issues, leaders emphasized the importance of reforming international institutions. “Our joint effort through the G4 to reform the UN Security Council is a testament to this thought,” Modi said. They also discussed regional and global crises, including Ukraine and Gaza, and reiterated the importance of fighting terrorism. “We agree that terrorism is a serious threat to all humanity. India and Germany will continue to fight against it with full determination,” Modi said.
Drawing attention to the strategic dimension of the partnership, Merz said that closer security cooperation will reduce India’s dependence on Russia. Defense ties were further strengthened, with Modi thanking Merz for simplifying defense trade processes and announcing a roadmap to increase joint development and joint production opportunities between the two countries’ defense industries.
Education and technology partnerships also attracted attention, with the announcement of a comprehensive road map for higher education and the invitation for German universities to open campuses in India. Citing the contributions of Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda and Madam Cama to the India-Germany intellectual exchange, Modi underlined the historical and cultural ties between the countries.
The visit comes at a special time in bilateral relations: last year marked the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership and this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. “These milestones are not just achievements over time, but also a symbol of our common goals, mutual trust and ever-strengthening cooperation,” Modi said.
Chancellor Merz arrived in Gujarat on Monday, where he was warmly welcomed by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat at the Ahmedabad airport and joined Prime Minister Modi at the International Kite Festival on the banks of the Sabarmati River, a colorful event symbolizing cultural exchange. Ahead of the visit, German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann met Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh to discuss bilateral security and defense cooperation. The Public Relations Directorate of the Ministry of Defense noted that the talks covered priority areas for joint development and joint production of defense equipment.
This visit follows the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa last November, where Modi described the India-Germany relationship as a strong one, encompassing trade, technology and innovation.
