Gandhinagar
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that finalizing the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union was essential to fully realizing the economic potential between India and Germany, describing India as both a “desired partner” and a “partner of choice” for Berlin.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar, Merz stressed that stronger trade frameworks are key to deepening bilateral economic ties.
“To unlock the full potential of economic relations between India and Germany, it is important to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and the European Union,” the Chancellor said.
Highlighting Germany’s commitment to its partnership with India, Merz said this relationship carries increasing strategic and economic weight, particularly at a time when the global order is undergoing rapid changes.
“The world order is changing. It is increasingly shaped by great power competition and spheres of influence. We must prepare for difficult times,” he said.
Merz highlighted the strategic importance of defense cooperation, noting that the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration in defense industry development, joint production, innovation and strengthening global supply chains.
“We want to deepen cooperation between our defense industries. This is of strategic importance for both sides,” he added.
The German Chancellor said India and Germany are striving to take their relations to a higher level, reflecting common interests in the economic, strategic and global fields.
“We want to raise relations between India and Germany to a new and higher level,” Merz said.
Thanking Prime Minister Modi for welcoming him to Gujarat, Merz described the invitation to the Prime Minister’s home state as a gesture reflecting strong personal warmth and deep bilateral ties.
Chancellor Merz’s visit marks his first official trip to India since taking office and coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 25 years of the India-Germany strategic partnership.
LEARN MORE: Real hero Hussain Mansuri wins hearts of blind students in Pune
The two-day visit, on January 12-13, aims to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade, defense, innovation and global challenges, as the two countries seek to advance a forward-looking partnership.
About The Author
