Gandhinagar, January 12 – In a landmark meeting during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s two-day visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the visiting leader forged agreements on 27 critical areas, spanning semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense, and green energy. The bilateral talks in Ahmedabad marked a new chapter in Indo-German relations, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming the broad consensus.
Merz arrived in Gujarat’s commercial hub for a packed itinerary, including high-level discussions that yielded joint declarations on strengthening defense industrial cooperation. A pivotal announcement was the establishment of a CEO Forum to bolster economic ties, integrated into a new India-Germany Economic and Investment Committee.
Technology collaboration took center stage with the India-Germany Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership, alongside intent declarations for critical minerals and telecommunications. MoUs were signed between key institutions: the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology with Infineon Technologies AG; the All India Institute of Ayurveda with Charité University, Germany; and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board with DVGW.
Commercial pacts included an offtake agreement between AM Green and Uniper Global Commodities for green ammonia. Research initiatives featured joint intents for bio-economy R&D and extension of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC).
Education and skills development saw roadmaps for higher education and a Joint Declaration of Intent for fair recruitment of healthcare professionals under the Global Skills Partnership. In Hyderabad, a National Centre of Excellence for renewable energy skilling was announced at the National Skill Training Institute.
Maritime heritage advanced with an MoU for the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal between India’s Ports Ministry and Germany’s DSM. Sports and postal services also gained traction with JDIs for hockey youth development via Hockey India and German Hockey Federation, and collaborations between India’s Postal Department and Deutsche Post AG.
Visa-free transit for Indian passport holders through Germany was a practical win, alongside new dialogues: Track 1.5 for foreign policy and security, Indo-Pacific bilateral talks, and a 2025-2027 Digital Dialogue action plan.
Under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), Germany committed €1.24 billion for renewable energy, green hydrogen, PM e-Bus Sewa, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. A battery storage working group launched under the India-Germany platform for global renewable investments, while triangular cooperation expanded to Ghana, Cameroon, and Malawi.
The visit culminated in inaugurating Germany’s Honorary Consulate in Ahmedabad, signaling deeper ties. These pacts position India and Germany as strategic partners in technology, sustainability, and global challenges.
