German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to visit India from January 12 to 13, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday, January 5, 2026. The visit will begin in Ahmedabad, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will welcome Chancellor Merz on January 12.
During the visit, the two leaders will review progress in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which marked its 25th anniversary last year. Discussions are expected to focus on trade and investment, technology exchange, education, skills development, and worker mobility. This marks Chancellor Merz’s first trip to India.
Bilateral talks will also address defence and security issues, providing an opportunity for India and Germany to exchange views on global political and security challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and U.S. actions in Venezuela.
The Ministry noted that the visit will reinforce the shared vision of both nations to strengthen a forward-looking partnership for the benefit of their people and the wider international community. Discussions will additionally cover green and sustainable development and people-to-people relations. Beyond Ahmedabad, Chancellor Merz and his delegation will also be hosted in Bengaluru.
