India and Germany Forge Stronger Ties with 19 Key Agreements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held extensive bilateral talks in Gandhinagar today. The two leaders successfully formalized a total of 19 significant agreements. These pacts aim to dramatically enhance cooperation in defence, trade, and critical emerging technologies.
Defence and Security Take Center Stage
A major highlight of the summit was a joint declaration of intent to strengthen bilateral defence industrial cooperation. Prime Minister Modi announced that both nations will develop a detailed roadmap. This roadmap will foster enhanced collaboration between their defence industries.
"The growing cooperation in defence and security is a symbol of our mutual trust and shared vision," said PM Modi. He expressed sincere gratitude to Chancellor Merz for simplifying processes related to defence trade. This move opens fresh opportunities for co-development and co-production of defence equipment.
Boosting Critical and Emerging Technologies
The leaders signed four specific agreements to boost cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. These areas include semiconductors and critical minerals, which are vital for modern economies.
"India and Germany are working together to build secure, trusted, and resilient supply chains," Modi stated. He emphasized that the Memoranda of Understanding signed today will inject new momentum and strength into the technological partnership between the two countries.
Addressing Global and Regional Issues
PM Modi and Chancellor Merz discussed a range of pressing global issues in detail. Their conversations covered the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
The leaders reiterated their deep concern over the war in Ukraine. They noted it continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences. Both sides expressed support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. This peace must align with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
On the situation in Gaza, Modi and Merz backed a negotiated two-state solution. They strongly underlined the urgent need for unhindered and large-scale delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave. The leaders also called for unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations operating in the region.
United Stand Against Terrorism
The two leaders agreed that terrorism poses a serious threat to all humanity. They declared that India and Germany will continue to fight this menace together.
In a joint statement, they unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. This condemnation explicitly includes cross-border terrorism. They called for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner.
The statement specifically condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. It also condemned the terror incident in Delhi on November 10, 2025.
Enhancing Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Beyond
Prime Minister Modi announced the launch of a new consultation mechanism. This mechanism is designed to boost cooperation in the strategically important Indo-Pacific region. He stated that both sides will continue working together to support development in the Global South.
"The strength of our friendship is visible on the global stage," Modi remarked. He highlighted their trilateral development partnership through joint projects in countries like Ghana, Cameroon, and Malawi as a successful model for the world.
Support for Key Economic Corridor
The leaders reaffirmed their strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). They emphasized its transformational potential to reshape and promote global commerce, connectivity, and overall prosperity.
In this context, they look forward to the first IMEC ministerial meeting. This meeting is expected to take concrete steps for advancing this major infrastructure initiative.
Additional Areas of Collaboration
Beyond the 19 core agreements, the summit yielded eight other important announcements. These are meant to ramp up cooperation in several other areas:
- Enhancing people-to-people contacts between the two nations.
- Strengthening collaboration on Indo-Pacific strategies.
- Promoting joint efforts in green and sustainable development.
- Introducing visa-free transit for Indian passport-holders through Germany, facilitating easier travel.
The talks in Gandhinagar mark a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between India and Germany. The wide-ranging agreements cover security, technology, and global diplomacy, reflecting a comprehensive and forward-looking relationship.
