German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Visit to India (12–13 January 2026)

Highlights

• First official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India and Asia.
• Invitation by PM Narendra Modi.
• India-Germany Strategic Partnership completed 25 years.

Gujarat Visit

• Visited Sabarmati Ashram.
• Inaugurated International Kite Festival 2026.
• Bilateral meeting held at Gandhinagar.
• Attended India-Germany CEO Forum.

Karnataka Visit

• Visited IISc Bengaluru (CeNSE).
• Visited Bosch Campus for hydrogen mobility and innovation.

Major Outcomes

• 19 MoUs & Joint Declarations signed.
• Visa-free transit for Indian passport holders through Germany.
• Track 1.5 Foreign Policy & Security Dialogue established.
• India-Germany Digital Dialogue (2025-27) adopted.

UPSC Prelims Points

• Germany
• Sabarmati Ashram
• CeNSE
• India-Germany Strategic Partnership
• Hydrogen Mobility