German Chancellor Merz to visit India, join PM Modi at Kite Festival

• German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will begin a two-day trip to India next week, starting January 12.
• He will visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in the International Kite Festival with PM Modi in Ahmedabad.
• The visit aims to strengthen defense cooperation, with discussions on trade, investment, technology, and green development.
• This is Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India and his inaugural trip to Asia since taking office.
• Germany has relaxed export controls on 110 defense items, paving the way for deeper collaboration, though a submarine deal is unlikely.

Why It Matters: German Chancellor Merz's visit to India focuses on strengthening strategic ties and defense cooperation.