Friedrich Merz on India
TL;DR
Friedrich Merz strongly views India as a vital strategic partner, emphasizing shared democratic values and deepening cooperation across security and economic sectors.
Key Points
The Federal Chancellor undertook an official visit to India on January 12-13, 2026, his first trip to Asia as Chancellor.
He stressed strengthening defense and security cooperation, alongside economic relations and cooperation on skilled labor during his talks with the Prime Minister.
Merz noted that Germany and India are united by fundamental values, characterizing the partnership as a high priority in the Indo-Pacific strategy.
Summary
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz conducted his first official visit to Asia by traveling to India in January 2026, a trip that reflected the high priority Germany places on India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific. During his visit, he met with Prime Minister Modi in Ahmedabad, highlighting that Germany, as the EU's largest state, and India, the world's largest democracy, share fundamental values and essential common interests given profound geopolitical changes. The Chancellor identified three key areas for deepening relations: enhancing international order and security cooperation, expanding economic ties, and increasing collaboration on education and skilled labor.
The visit, which included a large business delegation, aimed to build on the existing Strategic Partnership, which marked 25 years in 2025, and the 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Merz emphasized the mutual appreciation between the two nations and underscored common interests with highly dynamic India, particularly in technology and business. Furthermore, the visit signaled a positive shift in political relations compared to past criticisms of India’s democratic trajectory or its ties with Russia, marking a significant engagement point for Berlin’s emerging strategic calculus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Friedrich Merz strongly supports a closer strategic partnership with India, viewing it as a critical partner for Germany and the EU. He emphasizes shared democratic values as the foundation for deepening bilateral ties across security, trade, and technology sectors.
During his January 2026 visit, the Federal Chancellor identified three key areas for cooperation: security, economic expansion, and education/skilled labor. He was accompanied by a high-level business delegation to foster industrial collaboration.
The available information suggests Merz's current stance is strongly positive, focusing on partnership and shared values. This appears to contrast with past concerns from his political circle regarding India's democratic trajectory or its relationship with Russia.
Sources5
India – Germany Joint Statement | Prime Minister of India
Chancellor's trip to India | Federal Government - Bundesregierung
A Tale of Two Visits to India | Internationale Politik Quarterly
Visit of H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany to India (January 12-13, 2026) Updated
Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to India (January 12-13, 2026)
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.