Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, with the two leaders reviewing progress in bilateral ties and discussing key regional and global developments.
In a post on X following the meeting, PM Modi said the discussions were “very fruitful” and focused on strengthening cooperation across several sectors.
“The talks with Chancellor Merz were very fruitful. We discussed ways to further cement bilateral cooperation by working together in trade, investments, circular economy, defence, IT and more. We also talked about boosting cultural linkages between our nations”, the Prime Minister wrote on X.
The meeting, their second this year, came as India and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
According to an official statement, the leaders expressed satisfaction over the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, citing Chancellor Merz’s recent visit to India and the conclusion of negotiations on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement earlier this year.
PM Modi and Merz reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across trade and investment, defence and security, green development, technology, innovation, education and mobility. They also welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the implementation of a transit visa waiver for Indian nationals travelling through Germany.
Additionally, the Prime Minister and Merz exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. They also welcomed the understanding reached to end the conflict in West Asia.
During the meeting, Chancellor Merz invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the 8th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), scheduled to be held later this year in Germany.
