German Chancellor Merz to visit India on January 12-13

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit India during January 12-13, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday (January 5, 2026). The visit will begin at Ahmedabad where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive the German leader on January 12.

“The two leaders will take stock of the progress made in diverse aspects of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which completed 25 years last year,” said the Ministry, informing that the discussion will cover cooperation in trade and investment, technology exchange, education, skilling and mobility of workers. This will be the first visit by Mr. Merz to India. 

The bilateral discussion during Chancellor Merz’s visit will include defence and security issues, the MEA said. Coming in the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the U.S. intervention in Venezuela the visit will also provide India an opportunity to exchange notes on some of the enduring political and security challenges before the global community.

“It will provide a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the shared vision of India and Germany to build a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of the people of both countries and the wider global community,” said the Ministry informing that the discussions will also cover green and sustainable development and people-to-people relations. Apart from Ahmedabad, Mr. Merz and his team will also be hosted in Bengaluru.