Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised that close economic cooperation between India and Germany is crucial not only for the two nations but for humanity as a whole.
Addressing a joint press conference with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the latter’s official visit to India, the Prime Minister highlighted the deep historical, philosophical and economic ties between the two countries. He noted that Chancellor Merz’s visit coincided with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
“It is a happy coincidence that Swami Vivekananda himself built a bridge of philosophy, knowledge and faith between India and Germany. Today, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit is giving new energy, new confidence and new dimensions to that very bridge,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi observed that this was Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India – and to Asia -since assuming office, describing it as a strong reflection of the importance the German leader attaches to relations with India. He also expressed gratitude for Merz’s personal commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
“This is his first visit to India, and indeed to Asia, as Chancellor. It is strong evidence of the importance he attaches to relations with India. I express my sincere gratitude to him for his personal attention and commitment,” the Prime Minister said.
Highlighting the significance of the timing, PM Modi said the visit comes at a landmark moment in bilateral relations, with India and Germany marking 25 years of their Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations.
“These milestones are not merely chronological achievements; they symbolise our shared ambitions, mutual trust and ever-strengthening cooperation,” he added.
On economic engagement, the Prime Minister underlined the growing depth of bilateral ties, noting that trade between the two countries has reached an all-time high of over USD 50 billion and that more than 2,000 German companies have a long-standing presence in India.
“Close cooperation between the economies of countries like India and Germany is important for all of humanity. Growing trade and investment ties have infused new energy into our strategic partnership,” PM Modi said, adding that the sustained presence of German companies reflects their strong confidence in India’s growth potential.
Chancellor Merz is on a two-day official visit to India, his first since assuming office. On January 13, he is scheduled to visit Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) before departing for Germany.
Earlier in the day, the two leaders held delegation-level talks at the Mahatma Mandir, where they reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, and explored collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation, research, and green and sustainable development.
PM Modi had earlier welcomed Merz at the Sabarmati Ashram, where both leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and the German Chancellor signed the visitors’ book.
Following this, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, underscoring the cultural and diplomatic significance of the visit. They were also seen participating in the festivities by flying kites, adding a symbolic cultural dimension to the high-level engagement.
(ANI)
