German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday underscored the importance of concluding negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union, describing it as crucial to realising the full potential of India–Germany economic relations.
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.”
Emphasising the value Berlin places on its partnership with New Delhi, Merz described India as a “desired partner” and a “partner of choice” for Germany, highlighting the strategic and economic depth of bilateral ties.
Addressing the evolving global landscape, the German Chancellor noted that the international order is undergoing significant change and stressed the growing strategic importance of defence cooperation between the two countries.
He pointed out that India and Germany have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening collaboration in defence industry development, production, innovation and 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,” Merz 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.
The Chancellor also said that both sides are committed to taking bilateral relations to a higher level. “We want to elevate the relations between India and Germany to an even higher and new level,” he said.
Thanking Prime Minister Modi for inviting him to Gujarat, Merz said, “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. The visit reflects the shared intent of both nations to deepen cooperation across economic, strategic and global issues.
Friedrich Merz is on a two-day official visit to India from January 12 to January 13, his first since assuming office. The visit is expected to build on momentum generated by regular high-level political engagements and to reaffirm a forward-looking partnership aimed at benefiting both countries and the wider global community.
As part of his itinerary on January 13, the German Chancellor is scheduled to visit Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) before departing for Germany.