India, Germany agree to expand strategic ties amid global turmoil

13 Jan 2026 Evaluate

India and Germany have unveiled new measures to strengthen cooperation in defence, trade, critical minerals and semiconductors. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to bolster overall bilateral ties to jointly navigate challenges arising out of geopolitical upheaval. After talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz, India and Germany signed 19 agreements, including a roadmap for defence industrial collaboration and another on expanding cooperation in the higher education sector. 

A separate pact was inked on engagement in the telecommunications sector. The two leaders also called for the early finalisation of the India–European Union (EU) free trade agreement to expand the overall trade basket. A visa-free transit for Indian passport holders for transiting through Germany was also announced to boost people-to-people ties. Prime Minister of India said ‘The growing cooperation in defence and security is a symbol of our mutual trust and shared vision. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Chancellor Merz for simplifying the processes related to defence trade.’ He added ‘We will also work on a roadmap to enhance cooperation between our defence industries, which will open up new opportunities for co-development and co-production.’ 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed their support for a free and open Indo-Pacific, respect for international law including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and announced a new bilateral Indo-Pacific consultation mechanism. The move comes amid China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the region. Further, they also reaffirmed their strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, highlighting its transformational potential in reshaping and promoting global commerce, connectivity and prosperity.


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