PM Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Strengthen India–Germany Strategic Partnership at G7 Summit

·         Prime Minister Narendra Modi met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

·         This was the second meeting between the two leaders in 2026, reflecting growing engagement between India and Germany.

·         The leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and welcomed the renewed momentum in the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.

·         They noted key achievements, including:

o    The successful visit of Chancellor Merz to India.

o    The conclusion of India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations earlier this year.

·         As India and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation in:

o    Trade and investment

o    Defence and security

o    Green and sustainable development

o    Technology and innovation

o    Education and mobility

·         They welcomed:

o    The signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap.

o    The implementation of a transit visa waiver for Indian nationals transiting through Germany.

·         The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments, including:

o    The situation in West Asia

o    The Russia–Ukraine conflict

·         They welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict in West Asia and supported efforts for regional stability.

·         Chancellor Merz invited PM Modi to attend the 8th India–Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) scheduled to be held in Germany later this year.

Key Takeaway

The Modi–Merz meeting reinforced the expanding India–Germany partnership, with stronger cooperation in trade, defence, technology, sustainability, and people-to-people connectivity, while also addressing key global and regional security issues.

 

[ABS News Service/18.06.2026]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, on the sidelines of the G 7 Summit in Evian, France. This is the second meeting between the two leaders this year.

The leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction at the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, with the successful visit of the Chancellor to India and the conclusion of the India-EU FTA negotiations earlier this year. As India and Germany celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility. They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the operationalisation of transit visa waiver for Indian nationals transiting through Germany.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They also welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict in West Asia.

Chancellor Merz invited Prime Minister for the 8th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) scheduled to be held later this year in Germany.