Reinforcing old ties to face new challenges

The strategic dialogue and partnership between India and Germany offer a stabilising influence grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and long-term cooperation

- Gurjit Singh

As the world confronts disruptive geopolitical and economic changes, India and Europe are actively working toward stability and strengthening forward-looking partnerships.

In this context, India has engaged with European counterparts both at the multilateral level and through deepening bilateral ties with key partners such as Germany.

The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, arrives today on his first official visit to India. This visit is significant in more than one respect. It comes at a time of global uncertainty and geopolitical flux, and it offers both countries an opportunity to reaffirm their shared commitments to democratic norms, global cooperation, and a rules-based international order. Merz will not be in New Delhi, and instead have his main meetings in Ahmedabad. He will also visit Bengaluru, a symbol of the technological and innovation partnership.

Unlike engagements under the regular Indo-German Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC), a biennial framework that has been in place since 2011, this visit is a standalone political visit, similar to the approach taken by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during his tenure. This allows space for focused bilateral dialogue outside the formal IGC calendar while building on the deep agenda that defines the relationship.

Merz’s visit carries symbolic weight, as it follows the silver jubilee of the Indo-German Strategic Partnership, formally launched in 2000. Over the last 25 years, the relationship has matured into a comprehensive collaboration spanning trade, technology, climate action, education, defence, and people-to-people links. Although Merz and Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi have not previously met in India, they have interacted during the G7 summit in Canada in 2025. Their dialogue reflects ongoing efforts to align priorities and reinforce mutual trust amid complex global dynamics.