German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has successfully concluded his two-day official visit to India, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

The visit, hosted primarily in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, underscored the deepening ties between India and Germany on the occasion of 75 years of diplomatic relations and 25 years of their Strategic Partnership.

Chancellor Merz arrived in Ahmedabad early on Monday, where he was promptly received by high-level dignitaries. His itinerary commenced with a poignant visit to the Sabarmati Ashram alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, symbolising shared values of peace and non-violence that underpin their nations' friendship.

Moments later, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz inaugurated the International Kite Festival (IKF) 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront. In a vivid display of camaraderie, they flew kites together, a gesture that captured global attention and represented the soaring diplomatic bonds between India and Germany. The event drew large crowds and highlighted Gujarat's vibrant cultural heritage.

The Chancellor's packed schedule extended to strategic engagements in Gandhinagar. He participated in several cultural and high-level programmes with PM Modi, fostering dialogue on mutual interests. A key highlight was his attendance at the India-German CEO Forum, which brought together business leaders to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation.

During a joint press conference with PM Modi, Chancellor Merz emphasised the urgency of concluding negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union. He described India as a "desired partner" and "partner of choice" for Berlin, stressing that the FTA would unlock the full potential of India-Germany economic relations.

Merz noted the robust growth in bilateral trade, which has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, defence technology, and advanced manufacturing. He praised India's indigenous innovation ecosystem, drawing parallels with Germany's engineering prowess, and expressed optimism for joint ventures in emerging fields such as green hydrogen and artificial intelligence.

The visit also featured discussions on geopolitical challenges, including supply chain resilience and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Both leaders reaffirmed commitments to multilateralism, with Merz highlighting Germany's support for India's aspirations in the United Nations, including a permanent seat on the Security Council.

Cultural exchanges formed an integral part of the itinerary. Chancellor Merz engaged with local communities in Gujarat, experiencing traditional hospitality and artisan crafts. These interactions reinforced people-to-people ties, complementing the formal diplomatic agenda.

On Tuesday, as his visit drew to a close, Chancellor Merz bid farewell at Ahmedabad Airport. He received a warm send-off from Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and an array of senior officials. Among those present were Chief Secretary MK Das, Additional Chief Secretary Anju Sharma, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner GS Malik, Chief Protocol Officer Jwalant Trivedi, District Collector Sujeet Kumar, and representatives from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The airport ceremony was marked by mutual expressions of gratitude and anticipation for future collaborations. Chancellor Merz departed for Germany, carrying forward momentum from a visit replete with symbolic gestures and substantive outcomes.

This maiden official visit by Chancellor Merz signals a new chapter in India-Germany relations. It builds on longstanding partnerships while addressing contemporary priorities like sustainable development and technological innovation. Analysts view it as a strategic pivot, positioning both nations as key players in a multipolar world order.

Germany, India's largest trading partner in the European Union, sees immense potential in India's burgeoning market. Investments from German firms in Gujarat alone, including automotive and pharmaceutical giants, exemplify the synergy. The CEO Forum discussions are expected to yield concrete memoranda of understanding, accelerating joint projects.

From a defence perspective, the visit aligns with India's push for indigenous manufacturing under initiatives like Make in India. German expertise in precision engineering could bolster projects such as advanced fighter aircraft and submarine programmes, enhancing strategic autonomy.

Environmentally, both leaders committed to climate action. Chancellor Merz endorsed India's green energy targets, with Germany pledging technical support for solar and wind projects in Gujarat, a state leading in renewable capacity.

As Chancellor Merz returns to Berlin, the visit's legacy will unfold through follow-up mechanisms. Scheduled working groups on trade, defence, and technology will ensure continuity. For India, particularly Gujarat, it reaffirms the state's role as a gateway for European investments.

Chancellor Merz's visit has elevated India-Germany ties to new heights, blending tradition with forward-looking ambition.

Based On ANI Report