German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said that India is a “desired partner” and a “partner of choice” for Germany, while expressing a strong commitment to elevate India-Germany relations to a higher and more strategic level. He also underscored the need to conclude negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to unlock the full potential of economic ties between the two countries.
Addressing a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar, Chancellor Merz said that deeper economic integration through an India–EU FTA would significantly strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
“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, emphasising Germany’s strong interest in closer engagement with India.
Highlighting the importance Berlin attaches to the partnership, the German Chancellor said, “India is a desired partner, a partner of choice for Germany,” pointing to the shared values, complementary economic strengths and converging strategic interests of the two democracies.
Merz said both countries are determined to elevate their relationship to a new level amid major geopolitical changes. “We want to elevate the relations between India and Germany to an even higher and new level,” he said, noting that the international order is undergoing profound transformation marked by great-power politics and growing strategic uncertainty.
Referring to defence cooperation, the German Chancellor said that closer collaboration in defence industries holds strategic significance for both sides. He noted that India and Germany have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in defence industry development, production, innovation and the strengthening of global supply chains.
“We want to deepen cooperation between our defence industries. This has strategic significance, and we have signed an MoU on closer cooperation in development, production, innovation and strengthening global supply chains,” he said.
Merz also stressed the shared commitment of India and Germany to free trade and open markets at a time when protectionism is on the rise globally. He said both countries oppose the use of supply chains and raw materials as instruments of political or economic coercion and are working to reduce unilateral dependencies to make their economies more resilient.
Calling India a pivotal partner in the Indo-Pacific, the German Chancellor said that the world’s fastest-growing major economy plays a central role in shaping regional and global stability.
The German leader also reflected on the cultural and historical significance of his visit to Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, where he visited the Sabarmati Ashram. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the change which you hope for the world,” Merz said the shared political values, economic potential and people-to-people connections form the foundation of the India–Germany partnership.
Expressing gratitude to PM Modi for inviting him to Gujarat, Merz described the gesture as a symbol of deep ties and friendship between the two countries.
Chancellor Merz’s remarks came during his first official visit to India, which coincides with the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
(With agency inputs)
