Opinion Delhi and Berlin, stability amid turbulence
The leaders exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. While perspectives are not identical, the emphasis was on dialogue, shared principles, and coordination
PM Narendra Modi, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz fly kites in Ahmedabad, Monday. (Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to India, though short, was rich in outcomes and strategic signalling. Coming at a time of global instability, the visit underscored a shared conviction in New Delhi and Berlin that partnerships between democratic powers must be strengthened, not merely reaffirmed.
A central theme of the Narendra Modi-Merz discussions was the changing global order. The chancellor spoke candidly about the erosion of global stability and the growing fragility of international arrangements and emphasised that the two countries needed to “do much more” together. It translated into German support for the early conclusion of the India-EU FTA.
PM Modi highlighted that bilateral trade has crossed nearly $51 billion, about a quarter of India’s total trade with the EU. Both leaders agreed that this growth required a forward-looking vision to sustain momentum. Merz, addressing the CEOs’ Forum alongside the PM, stressed the importance of protecting economic resilience and avoiding dangerous one-sided dependencies.
Technology cooperation emerged as another key outcome area. Both leaders acknowledged the increasing “weaponisation” and control of critical technologies globally and agreed on the need for trusted partners to work closely in response.
Germany’s approach to defence engagement with India has undergone a notable shift. Export clearances that were once slow and uncertain are now being processed more efficiently, with most of the earlier backlog cleared. During the visit, both sides announced their intention to develop a defence industrial cooperation roadmap, including discussions related to submarines. Importantly, differences were managed pragmatically rather than ideologically. India has made it clear that its defence sourcing decisions are driven purely by national interest and operational requirements. Germany, for its part, signalled a more flexible and strategic security policy towards India. Germany needs to refrain from publicly trying to wean India from Russia.
During the visit, cooperation in green hydrogen was deepened, most notably through the announcement of a long-term off-take agreement for green ammonia between India’s AM Green and Germany’s Uniper Global Commodities.
With nearly 3,00,000 people of Indian origin in Germany and close to 60,000 Indian students, Merz’s explicit welcome to Indian students and skilled professionals carried political and economic significance. PM Modi echoed this sentiment. Issues among the diaspora, like the Baby Ariha case and expulsions of students in virtual classrooms, need more sensitive handling.
The two leaders exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, developments in West Asia, and the Indo-Pacific. While perspectives are not identical, the emphasis was on dialogue, shared principles, and practical coordination. With 19 MOUs signed and eight additional announcements — 27 outcomes in total — the visit went well beyond symbolism. The invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the next India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations in Berlin later this year signals that this momentum is intended to be sustained.
The writer is former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union
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