♦ Prime Minister Narendra Modi held delegation-level talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar on 12 January 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The meeting took place as part of Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India, which coincides with the completion of 75 years of India–Germany diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. 

♦ During the talks, the two leaders reviewed progress under the Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to further intensify cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility. 

♦ India and Germany signed 19 key MoUs and made eight key announcements, including a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen bilateral defence industrial cooperation and the establishment of a Chief Executive Officers’ Forum to bolster trade and investment. 

♦ They also explored collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties. Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

♦ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront, sharing festive moments that blended cultural celebration with diplomatic engagement.