January 13, 2026
NEW DELHI – Meeting against the backdrop of the January 3 US action in Venezuela, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday resolved to strengthen defence and security cooperation, unequivocally condemned terrorism, and reiterated their support for an early conclusion of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
In a joint statement issued at the end of talks between the two leaders in Gandhinagar, the two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and strong support to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and reiterated the urgent need for comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council through the expansion of permanent and non-permanent categories of membership to reflect contemporary realities.
On his first visit to Asia after assuming office last year, the German Chancellor indicated that the India-EU trade pact could be signed as early as this month. His comments assume significance since the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council will be visiting India later this month as chief guests at the Republic Day parade.
In remarks at a joint press meet with the visiting leader, PM Modi said he had discussed with the German Chancellor the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and regional developments, and the two countries favour a peaceful resolution of all such issues. However, there was no mention of the developments in Venezuela in the remarks made by the two leaders or in the joint statement issued by the two sides.
‘’Close cooperation between the economies of countries like India and Germany is important for all of humanity. The growing trade and investment ties have infused new energy into our strategic partnership. Our bilateral trade has now reached its highest level ever and crossed the USD 50 billion mark,’’ the PM said.
He said India and Germany are jointly advancing new projects in areas such as climate, energy, urban development, and urban mobility. The new mega project in green hydrogen involving companies from both countries will prove to be a game-changer for the energy of the future, he added.
India and Germany signed as many as 19 agreements or MoUs, including those on bilateral defence industrial cooperation, semiconductor ecosystems, critical minerals, investment, education, health, science and technology and sports.
Of particular importance is the Joint Declaration of Intent to develop a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap to promote long-term industry-level collaborations, including technology partnerships and co-production of defence platforms and equipment.
Briefing reporters, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that talks between the two countries on the much-anticipated submarine deal would maintain a positive momentum now that Germany has started facilitating expeditious export clearances of defence equipment.
The joint statement also mentioned that the two leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, and called for concerted international efforts to combat the menace. They condemned the Pahalgam and Delhi terror incidents.
On bilateral trade, the two leaders welcomed the sustained growth in trade and investment and noted that bilateral trade reached a record high in 2024, with the positive trend continuing through 2025. They were confident that the proposed Indo-EU FTA would facilitate trade flows and inject further momentum into economic relations between the two countries.
Since both India and Germany are bidding for permanent seats on the UN Security Council, the joint statement called for moving forward towards commencing early text-based negotiations at the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) for reforms in the world body.