PM Modi – Germany's Merz Meet Signals Strategic Ties
Cultural Diplomacy at the Kite Festival
On January 12, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Ahmedabad, blending cultural diplomacy with strategic engagement. The leaders jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, where they flew kites symbolising openness, partnership, and mutual respect. The festival featured colourful kites from across India and more than 50 countries.
The two leaders flew kites together, symbolising friendship, freedom, and cooperation between the world's largest democracy and Europe's biggest economy. The event was attended by senior Indian ministers, German officials, diplomats, business leaders, and international cultural delegations. The festival highlighted India's soft power while providing a relaxed setting for advancing bilateral engagement.
Major Agreements Across Key Sectors
During Chancellor Merz's visit, India and Germany signed multiple agreements covering defence, technology, health, energy, and human resource development. A key highlight was Germany's commitment of €1.24 billion in new funding under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).
The funding will support projects in renewable energy, green hydrogen, climate-resilient urban infrastructure, and India's PM e-Bus Sewa programme, reinforcing both countries' shared climate and sustainability goals.
Defence, Security and Strategic Balance
Security cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Chancellor Merz stated that Germany seeks closer defence and security cooperation with India to diversify strategic partnerships and reduce dependence on Russia. Discussions also referenced Project 75I, India's $8-billion submarine modernisation programme, which is seen as reshaping the regional security balance involving China and Pakistan.
Trade, Education and Economic Cooperation
Chancellor Merz indicated optimism that the long-pending EU–India Free Trade Agreement could be concluded by the end of January, potentially unlocking new trade and investment opportunities. Prime Minister Modi also invited leading German universities to establish campuses in India, aiming to expand academic collaboration, research, and talent mobility.
Shared Global Vision
Both leaders reaffirmed commitments to democracy, a rules-based international order, climate action, and resilient supply chains. The Ahmedabad meeting marked a decisive step toward deeper India–Germany cooperation, combining cultural outreach with concrete economic, environmental, and strategic outcomes.