Ahmedabad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the significance of close economic cooperation between India and Germany, describing such collaboration as crucial not only for the two nations but for humanity at large.

Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during the latter’s official visit to India, PM Modi underscored the historical and philosophical bonds between the two countries. He noted the symbolic timing of the visit, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

“It is a happy coincidence that Swami Vivekananda himself built a bridge of philosophy, knowledge, and faith between India and Germany. Today, Chancellor Merz’s visit is adding new energy, confidence, and dimensions to that very bridge,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi pointed out that this is Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India and Asia since taking office, reflecting the importance he attaches to the bilateral relationship. He expressed gratitude for Merz’s personal attention and commitment to strengthening ties.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the milestones in India-Germany relations, noting 25 years of Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations. “These milestones are not merely chronological achievements; they symbolize our shared ambitions, mutual trust, and ever-growing cooperation,” he said.

On economic engagement, PM Modi noted that bilateral trade has surpassed USD 50 billion, with over 2,000 German companies maintaining long-standing operations in India. “Close economic cooperation between countries like India and Germany is vital for all humanity. These growing trade and investment ties have injected new energy into our strategic partnership,” he added.

The two leaders previously held delegation-level talks at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, reviewing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, education, skilling, mobility, and exploring collaboration in defence, security, science, innovation, research, and sustainable development.

Earlier, PM Modi welcomed Chancellor Merz at Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where both leaders paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and signed the visitors’ book. They later jointly inaugurated the International Kite Festival 2026 at the Sabarmati Riverfront, flying a kite depicting Lord Hanuman, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic significance of the visit.

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Chancellor Merz’s two-day official trip to India, concluding January 13, also includes visits to Bosch, Nano Science and Engineering, and CeNSE. The visit comes ahead of the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27.