Press statements from the Chancellor and India's Prime Minister Modi
Chancellor Merz met Prime Minister Modi in India for talks. “Germany and India are two great democracies and two strong economies that have a lot in common,” said the Chancellor. Both countries are building on this foundation.
- Transcript of press conference
- Monday, 12 January 2026
According to Chancellor Merz, Germany and India share a fundamental interest in deepening their strategic partnership.
Photo: Federal Government/Guido Bergmann
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his home state of Gujarat at the start of his trip to India. It was a very special honour to be invited, said the Chancellor. Gujarat is considered the cradle of modern India – it was from here that the national hero Mahatma Gandhi led his non-violent struggle for freedom, self-determination and democracy.
In the joint press statement with Prime Minister Modi, the Chancellor emphasised that the conditions for the renewed and deepened partnership between Germany and India could hardly be better than at present. “Germany, as the most populous and economically strongest state in the European Union, and India, as the largest democracy in the world, are united by fundamental values,” said Merz. “Highly dynamic India and technologically advanced Germany share essential interests.” Government consultations are due to take place in Berlin towards the end of the year.
Read the most important facts in brief here:
- International order: Germany and India don’t always agree on every issue, but we share a great deal of common ground, said the Chancellor. “We are committed to an international order in which we can live freely and safely,” said the Chancellor. In terms of security policy, both countries want to move closer together. A memorandum of understanding was signed in Gujarat that provides for closer cooperation between the defence industries.
- Economic relations: Free trade and open markets – the Chancellor emphasised these principles. Both countries agreed to intensify cooperation in key areas such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence and digitisation. In addition, the negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the EU must now be finalised as a matter of urgency, said the Chancellor.
- Education and skilled labour: “Well-trained skilled workers secure our prosperity in Germany,” said Chancellor Merz. India has excellently trained young people, which is an opportunity for both sides. This is why we are paving paths for legal and orderly migration through dual training and study programmes, targeted visa procedures and partnerships between universities and companies.
Read the transcript of the press statements here (in German only):