The comprehensive engagement underscores India and Germany’s shared vision of a resilient, forward-looking partnership grounded in economic growth, security cooperation and global stability
India and Germany have taken a significant step toward strengthening their strategic partnership, with Berlin announcing visa-free airport transit for Indian passport holders as part of a broader push to enhance people-to-people ties. The announcement came during high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is on his first visit to Asia since assuming office.
The two leaders oversaw the signing of 19 agreements spanning defence, trade, higher education, telecommunications, skill development and clean energy. These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to deepen cooperation amid evolving geopolitical and economic challenges.
A key outcome of the talks was a roadmap for defence industrial collaboration, aimed at encouraging co-development and co-production between Indian and German defence industries. Prime Minister Modi described the expanding defence and security cooperation as a symbol of mutual trust, noting that streamlined defence trade procedures would unlock new opportunities for both sides.
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Trade and investment featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders urging early finalisation of the long-pending India–European Union Free Trade Agreement
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Bilateral trade between India and Germany has crossed the USD 50 billion mark for the first time, underlining the growing economic momentum
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More than 2,000 German companies currently operate in India, reflecting sustained confidence in the Indian market
The two sides also reaffirmed strong support for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), describing it as a transformative initiative to boost global connectivity and commerce. Cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors and resilient supply chains was highlighted as essential to reducing unilateral dependencies in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
In the clean energy domain, India and Germany are jointly advancing projects in climate action, urban mobility and green hydrogen. A mega green hydrogen initiative involving companies from both countries was described as a potential game-changer for future energy needs.
People-to-people ties received a boost through agreements on mobility and skills. Germany, which is home to around 300,000 Indian expatriates and nearly 60,000 Indian students, is looking to India to meet its rising demand for skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare. A new skill partnership agreement is expected to facilitate the movement of Indian nurses and caregivers to Germany.
On global and regional issues, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, respect for international law, and peaceful resolution of conflicts, including in Ukraine and Gaza. They also strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and pledged enhanced cooperation against terrorist networks and financing.
