German Chancellor Merz to Visit India on Jan 12

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will arrive in India on January 12 for his first official visit to the country, with Ahmedabad marking the beginning of his two-day tour. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the visit will take place from January 12 to 13, 2026, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to the MEA, Chancellor Merz will travel to Ahmedabad and Bengaluru during his stay. Prime Minister Modi will formally receive the German leader in Ahmedabad on January 12. The visit comes as India and Germany mark 25 years of their Strategic Partnership, providing an opportunity to review progress and chart the next phase of bilateral cooperation.

Discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus on strengthening collaboration in trade and investment, technology, education, skill development and mobility. Talks will also cover expanding engagement in defence and security, science and research, innovation, green growth and sustainable development, along with deeper people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz will also interact with business and industry leaders and exchange views on key regional and global issues. The visit is expected to build on ongoing high-level political engagements between the two countries.

Officials said the tour will help reaffirm the shared commitment of India and Germany to a forward-looking partnership aimed at delivering mutual benefits and contributing to global stability and growth.