|
After the bilateral talks, Modi noted that Germany is India’s
most important trading partner in the European Union and said
both leaders were seeking to expand those ties.
He said the two countries are pursuing new projects in areas
such as climate action, energy and mining of rare earth
elements, and have also agreed on a road map to boost
cooperation between their defense industries for joint
development and production.
“We want to elevate the relations between India and Germany to
an even higher level,” Modi said.
Germany has not traditionally had close defense ties with India,
but the two sides have been trying to boost cooperation in the
sector. Germany’s Thyssenkrupp is expected to partner with
Indian firms to build six advanced conventional submarines in
India, part of New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to modernize its
naval capabilities.
Merz said India and Germany share “tremendous economic
potential,” and the two countries are working together to
strengthen ties in the field of security policy and defense
cooperation.
“India is a desired partner, a partner of choice for Germany,”
Merz said, according to a live official translation. He added
that negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and
the EU need to be concluded to fully realize the potential of
economic ties between the two countries.
The two sides also signed an agreement that makes it easier for
Indians to work in Germany's health care sector.
Merz’s visit to India — also his first to an Asian country since
he took office last year — comes ahead of a planned India-EU
summit later this month, where leaders hope to make progress on
a long-pending free trade agreement. India hopes to deepen
economic engagement with Europe in the face of U.S. tariff rates
of 50%.
During his visit, Merz toured the Sabarmati Ashram, once home to
independence leader Mahatma Gandhi, and attended the
International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati riverfront. Modi
and Merz flew kites during the event.
Merz, who is accompanied by a large business delegation, is
later scheduled to travel to southern Bengaluru city to meet
Indian and German business and technology leaders.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
|
|
