India-Germany Relations Strengthened as Modi Congratulates New Chancellor Merz
| 2025-05-21
India and Germany pledged closer ties under new Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Germany’s new Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pledging to deepen the strategic India-Germany partnership and counter terrorism.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Friedrich Merz on assuming office as the Chancellor of Germany, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between the two nations. The leaders also underlined their united stance against terrorism and discussed key regional and global issues during a telephone conversation on Tuesday (May 20, 2025).
The congratulatory message, shared by Prime Minister Modi on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighted India’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Germany across multiple sectors. "Spoke to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism," Modi posted.
Friedrich Merz officially assumed office as Germany’s Chancellor on 6 May, following his election to lead Europe’s largest economy. In his first public remarks after taking charge, Chancellor Merz said, “I accept my election as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany with gratitude and respect for the task. I approach my work with courage and confidence. Because we are a strong country, and our country can do more.”
Focus on Strategic Partnership and Security
India and Germany share a robust strategic relationship built on mutual interests in trade, climate action, security, and multilateral cooperation. Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to Chancellor Merz is seen as a signal of policy continuity and growing momentum in bilateral ties.
The two countries have collaborated in a wide range of areas, including renewable energy, vocational education, cyber security, and defence technology. With both governments advocating for a rules-based international order, the conversation between Modi and Merz reaffirmed their common ground on tackling global challenges.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and noted the positive role played by the Indian diaspora in Germany. Prime Minister Modi also extended an invitation to Chancellor Merz to visit India.
Diplomatic Engagements Continue
This is not the first time Prime Minister Modi expressed his intent to work closely with Chancellor Merz. On 6 May, shortly after Merz’s appointment, Modi had written, “Heartiest congratulations to @_FriedrichMerz on assuming office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to working together to further cement the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.”
Germany is one of India’s most important trading partners in the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching approximately €25 billion in recent years. Both nations have also collaborated on global forums such as the G20 and the United Nations, often aligning on issues like climate finance, global health, and sustainable development.
India-Germany Strategic Ties
India and Germany launched their Strategic Partnership in 2001, which has evolved into high-level intergovernmental consultations held every two years. The partnership covers a range of sectors from clean energy and artificial intelligence to defence and skill development.
Chancellor Merz’s assumption of office comes at a time of shifting global dynamics, with increasing emphasis on regional security, energy transition, and economic resilience. His initial diplomatic exchanges, including with India, are seen as laying the groundwork for a renewed foreign policy approach under his leadership.
Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on unity against terrorism reflects India’s consistent diplomatic narrative and a key pillar of its international engagement. The shared stance with Germany reinforces ongoing efforts to promote global cooperation on security challenges.
With both leaders expressing strong mutual intent, the India-Germany partnership appears poised for renewed growth in the coming years, building on a foundation of trust, shared values, and converging interests.
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