German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi fly kites during the inauguration of the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, India, January 12, 2026. – REUTERS
AHMEDABAD, India: Germany wants to cooperate more closely on security issues with India to reduce the latter’s dependence on Russia, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect during Merz’s first trip to the South Asian country, as well as agreements on critical minerals, the health sector and an artificial intelligence innovation center.
“India and Germany are working together to build safe, reliable and resilient supply chains. The MoUs signed today on all these issues will give new impetus and strength to our cooperation,” Modi said at a joint press conference.
India still works closely with Russia, where much of its military equipment comes from, on security policy, and it is one of the biggest buyers of Russian gas and oil alongside China.
Germany is working to ensure that the Indian government prevents Indian companies from circumventing sanctions against Russia and reducing its energy imports – demands that India has so far rejected.
Merz also called on India and the European Union to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement later this month, with his visit intended to build momentum towards reaching a deal by the end of January.
The world is experiencing “a renaissance of protectionism,” Merz said, and it’s hurting Germany and India.
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