India–Germany signs deal to deepen economic & security ties, expanding cooperation across sectors
- IBEF
- January 13, 2026
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Mr. Friedrich Merz met in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to elevate India–Germany relations by signing a suite of agreements aimed at deepening economic and security ties between the two nations. These agreements cover various sectors, including defence collaboration, skills training for the workforce, and health care and education systems, as well as building strategic partnerships among countries and minimising their reliance on foreign nations. During his discussions with Prime Minister Modi, Chancellor Merz emphasised the importance of increasing cooperation between India and Germany on global climate change issues, clean energy initiatives, and rare earth minerals mining, exploration, and development. Both Prime Ministers agreed to create a roadmap for increased collaboration and cooperation between India and Germany in the joint manufacturing of defence equipment.
Chancellor Merz underscored India as a strategic partner of choice for Germany and emphasised the need to conclude a free trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU) to unlock further economic potential. The visit also saw agreements facilitating easier mobility for Indian professionals in Germany’s health care sector. The strengthened partnership builds on robust bilateral ties, with trade between India and Germany having crossed Rs. 4.15 lakh crore (US$ 50 billion), and sets the stage for deeper engagement in technology, energy transition, defence co-development, and people-to-people exchanges. The discussions are expected to add momentum ahead of the upcoming India-EU summit, where further cooperation frameworks may be advanced.
Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.
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