German Chancellor Merz to Visit India Jan 12-13 for Strategic Partnership Talks

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will make his first official visit to India on January 12–13, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The visit includes stops in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, with PM Modi receiving Merz in Ahmedabad to review the 25-year-old India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
• Discussions will focus on boosting cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, defense, green development, and people-to-people ties.
• Leaders will engage with business leaders and address key regional and global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and clean energy.
• The visit underscores sustained high-level engagement and occurs ahead of other significant EU visits to India, amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.

Why It Matters: Merz's India visit aims to deepen strategic ties, boost cooperation, and address global challenges.