India-Germany ties get boost with tech, green energy deals
Merz calls Delhi ‘partner of choice’, Berlin announces visa-free transit for Indians
India and Germany on Monday unveiled an expansive, future-oriented roadmap to elevate bilateral ties to a “new and higher level”, signing a raft of agreements spanning defence production, semiconductors, green hydrogen, skilling and higher education, while Berlin announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders and fresh green funding commitments of 1.24 billion euros.
The agreements were finalised during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to India — and to Asia — since assuming office, a visit that coincides with 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany strategic partnership.
Addressing a joint press conference in Gandhinagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Merz’s choice of India as his first Asian destination underscored the importance Berlin attaches to the partnership.
“Close cooperation between economies like India and Germany is important for all of humanity,” Modi said, noting that bilateral trade has crossed a record $50 billion, with more than 2,000 German companies operating in India, reflecting what he described as “unwavering faith” in India’s growth story.
Merz described India as a “desired partner” and a “partner of choice” for Germany and made a strong pitch for concluding the long-pending India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“To tap into the full potential of India-Germany economic relations, we need to conclude the negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the European Union,” Merz said, stressing that economic integration was critical at a time of global uncertainty.
Technology and economic resilience emerged as major pillars of the partnership. India and Germany adopted Joint Declarations of Intent on semiconductors, critical minerals and telecommunications, underlining shared priorities in securing critical and emerging technology ecosystems. A dedicated India-Germany Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership was among the key initiatives unveiled.
Green growth featured prominently, with the two leaders announcing the establishment of an India-Germany Centre of Excellence in Renewable Energy as a shared platform for knowledge, technology and innovation. In a major boost to the clean energy transition, the two sides also committed 1.24 billion euros in new funding under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) to support renewable energy, green hydrogen, PM e-Bus Sewa and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
The two leaders condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the terror incident in Delhi on November 10, 2025.
People-to-people ties received a significant push. India and Germany adopted an Indo-German roadmap on higher education, encouraging German universities to establish campuses in India. A joint declaration of intent on a global skills partnership was agreed upon to facilitate fair and ethical mobility of skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare. A National Centre of Excellence for skilling in renewable energy will be set up in Hyderabad.
In a key facilitation measure, Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders, expected to ease travel for Indian professionals and students and further strengthen societal links.
Cultural and institutional cooperation was broadened through agreements on sports and postal services and collaboration between Germany’s Maritime Museum and India’s National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal. Germany will also open an Honorary Consulate in Ahmedabad.
On the geopolitical front, Modi and Merz discussed Ukraine, Gaza and broader regional challenges, reiterating support for the peaceful resolution of disputes, a joint fight against terrorism, and the need for reforms in global institutions, reaffirming their shared push through the G4 framework for UN Security Council reform.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Chancellor Merz invited PM Modi to Germany for the next India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations, to be held in Berlin later this year.
