German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has started his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. His two-day visit has already begun and aims to strengthen the economic and security ties between the European Union’s largest economy and India.
Who is German Chancellor Merz?
Joachim-Friedrich Martin Josef Merz is a German politician, serving as Chancellor of Germany for 9 months now (since 6 May 2025). Born on 11 November 1955, the German politician also served as Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Merz is currently in India participating in a kite festival and also attending a skill development event in Ahmedabad along with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor visit Sabarmati Ashram
Merz started his two visits to India with a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on January 12, 2026, along with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both paid their homage to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, at the historic ashram, built in 1917.
To commemorate the visit to Sabarmati, they also observed the process of spinning the charkha while touring Hriday Kunh, Gandhi’s residence within the Ashram.
Inauguration of the International Kite Festival
After paying tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, both leaders inaugurated the three-day international Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront. The festival has gained popularity worldwide, and kite enthusiasts across the world come together for this massive kite festival.
The festival takes place days before Makar Sankranti, and concludes on 14 January 2026.
Both the leaders were also seen interacting with participants and enjoying the vibrant festival. German Chancellor Merz also flew a kite, depicting Lord Hanuman along with the prime minister during the event.
Bilateral engagements at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre
Later on, the discussion on the India-German Strategic Partnership progress will take place at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar.
Notably, the India-German Strategic Partnership has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The Ministry of External Affairs added that Mr Modi will also join delegation-level talks between India and Germany at Mahatma Mandir. A joint press statement will follow.
The MEA further added that the leaders will also engage with business and industry leaders to exchange views on issues of regional and global importance.
After this, he’s also scheduled to visit Bengaluru’s technological hubs.
What’s the Purpose of German Chancellor Merz’s Visit to India?
German Chancellor Friedrick Merz is visiting India for the first time. The primary reason behind Merz’s visit is to bolster economic and security ties between Germany and India.
Amidst the India-Germany Strategic Partnership completing 25 years, and the economic and geopolitical shifts, particularly trade tensions with the U.S. and China, this visit demonstrates the two nations’ attempt to build more resilient economic and security ties.
Key Objectives of the India Visit
1. Trade & Investment
A high-profile business delegate (including Siemens and Airbus executives) has accompanied Friedrick Merz to India. A key goal here is the acceleration of negotiations for the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) before the planned summit, scheduled for two weeks later this month.
2. Defense & Security
Both India and Germany are active participants in counter-terrorism in the defense and security domain. Many joint exercises, including Tarang Shakti (air) and Milan (naval), take place between the two nations, and other initiatives are also taking shape.
An $8 billion worth submarine deal is in negotiation during this visit. Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is reportedly building 6 submarines for the Indian Navy, which would reduce the nation’s reliance on Russian military hardware.
3. Technology & Green Energy
German Chancellor Merz’s second day itinerary includes a visit to the Bengaluru technological hubs like Bosc Adugodih Campus. He will also visit the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering to witness the country’s advancement in cutting-edge research and technology.
This visit could further deepen the strategic partnership between India and Germany.
Overall, the two-day trip is expected to bring and finalise various deals on business, semiconductor development, and defense initiatives per Bloomberg’s report.
There are also reports that Germany wishes to have improved access to India’s critical minerals. A memorandum of understanding is likely to be signed by both countries.
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