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Focus Europe
“Focus Europe” features studies of strategic developments and security issues in Europe, the progress of EU-India relations, and India’s ties with major European powers.
In this issue, the authors we take a closer look at the India–Germany strategic partnership through the lens of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s January 2026 visit to India, his first official engagement outside NATO and in Asia, which coincided with the 75th anniversary of India–Germany diplomatic relations.
The visit was notable for its comprehensive scope. Engagement covered defence and security, trade and economy, technology and innovation, science and research, green and sustainable development, education, skilling and mobility, as well as Indo-Pacific and global issues.
A high-level CEOs’ delegation accompanied the Chancellor, resulting in the decision to establish a CEO’s Forum to promote collaboration and investment in critical sectors. Merz also highlighted the importance of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, since concluded, as central to a stronger Europe-India economic partnership.
Defence cooperation featured prominently. Germany expressed interest in deepening engagement through exercises and training and announced the deployment of a Liaison Officer to the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region. The two sides signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on a Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and discussed continued cooperation in areas such as submarines, helicopter obstacle-avoidance systems and counter-UAS technologies, signalling a shift towards a more structured defence-industrial engagement.
In technology and innovation, several joint declarations of intent were signed. These covered semiconductors, critical minerals, telecommunications, and space cooperation. The tenure of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre was extended.
Migration and mobility emerged as a distinct pillar of the bilateral partnership. Cooperation under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement reflected recognition of the Indian community’s growing contribution to the German economy and its alignment with Germany’s skilled-labour strategy. People-to-people ties were placed firmly at the forefront of the relationship, lending it resilience, depth and long-term sustainability beyond government-to-government engagement.
The visit underscored India’s status as a “desired partner” in Germany’s evolving Indo-Pacific and global strategy, and reflected a deliberate effort to place the bilateral relationship on a stronger strategic footing.
Momentum is expected to continue through further high-level exchanges during the year, including the next round of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations which will be held in Berlin, with Prime Minister Modi’s participation.
The emphasis now shifts to delivery, particularly given that India–Germany relations, despite steady engagement, have often fallen short in translating intent into tangible outcomes. The way ahead will require sustained political attention, clear prioritisation, effective institutional coordination, adequate financing, and strong private-sector participation. With these elements aligned, the partnership is well placed to deliver results and advance to a more consequential phase.
To read this issue, please click Focus Europe, Vol. II, Issue 1.
