From defence to green energy, Modi and Merz chart new course for India-Germany synergy
PM Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz cemented the India-Germany strategic partnership, celebrating 25 years and 75 years of diplomatic ties. Bilateral
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signalled a powerful new chapter in the India-Germany strategic partnership on Monday. Addressing a joint press conference, the two leaders celebrated a relationship between the two countries.
The German Chancellor's two-day visit holds immense symbolic weight, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany strategic partnership and 75 years of formal diplomatic relations. Notably, this marks Chancellor Merz’s inaugural visit to Asia since taking office. PM Modi hailed his visit as a clear testament to the "high priority" Germany places on its ties with New Delhi.
Breaking the 50 billion dollar barrier
The economic momentum between the two nations has reached an all-time high, with bilateral trade now surging past the 50 billion dollar mark. PM Modi pointed to the presence of over 2,000 German companies in India as a vote of confidence in India’s long-term growth.
"Close cooperation between the economies of India and Germany is vital for the benefit of all humanity. Strengthening trade and investment relations has energised our strategic partnership, with bilateral trade now exceeding $50 billion," PM Modi said during a joint press conference.
Cultural roots and modern aspirations
PM Modi drew a vivid line from history to the present. PM Modi recalled how intellectual giants like Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore built the first philosophical bridges between the two cultures. He also paid tribute to Madam Bhikaji Cama, who famously unfurled India’s flag of independence on German soil.
Defence and green energy
The talks yielded significant progress in high-tech sectors, specifically Green Hydrogen and Defence production. A series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to solidify cooperation in climate action, urban mobility, and resilient supply chains.
"We are jointly pursuing new projects in areas such as climate, energy, urban development, and urban mobility. The new mega-project by companies from both countries in green hydrogen will prove to be a game-changer for future energy," he added.
A shared strategic vision
Chancellor Merz’s visit has effectively "infused the connection with renewed energy," according to the Prime Minister. By simplifying defence trade processes and committing to "game-changer" energy projects, both nations are positioning themselves as critical partners in a changing global order, ensuring that their 75-year-old bond remains both resilient and revolutionary.
In a joint press conference with PM Modi, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz thanked PM Modi for inviting him to Gujarat and highlighted the deep ties between Germany and India. " We want to elevate the relations between India and Germany to an even higher level...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."