Germany's Merz in India: Boosting Strategic Ties, Trade, and Defence Ahead of EU Summit

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on his first visit to India since taking office, invited by PM Narendra Modi.
• The two-day visit focuses on deepening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which recently completed 25 years.
• Discussions will cover trade, technology, defence, investment, science, green development, and strategic ties.
• India and Germany are expected to sign pacts on semiconductors, critical minerals, defence, and skill development.
• Merz's visit signals a shift in German foreign policy towards a sharper focus on security, trade, and industrial competitiveness, and comes amid India's efforts to deepen ties with European nations.

Why It Matters: Merz's India visit aims to strengthen strategic partnership, trade, and defence, ahead of the India-EU Summit.