Merz in Modi's Backyard: India-Germany Eye Major Deals, FTA, and Defence Ties

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits India to deepen strategic ties, focusing on trade, defence, and critical minerals.
• Key discussions include accelerating the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, with Germany pushing for resolution in sensitive sectors.
• India and Germany are negotiating an $8 billion submarine manufacturing deal, potentially India's largest defence contract.
• Germany seeks access to India's critical minerals to reduce dependence on China and secure supply chains for EVs and semiconductors.
• Cooperation on semiconductors, skilled workers (healthcare), and pharmaceuticals are also high on the agenda.

Why It Matters: Germany and India are strengthening strategic and economic ties, focusing on trade, defence, and critical resources.