German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on India visit: Meeting with PM Modi, agreement reached on 27 issues including semiconductor-AI

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in India on a two-day visit. On the first day, he attended several events in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, India and Germany agreed to advance cooperation in 27 key areas, including semiconductors, AI, defense, energy, and investment.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the two countries have declared a joint intent to strengthen bilateral defense industrial cooperation. Also taking a major decision on the economic front, it was agreed to establish a CEO Forum and to work under the India-Germany Economic and Investment Committee to integrate economic cooperation.

In the technology sector, a joint declaration was made on the India-Germany Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership. A framework was also established for expanding cooperation in the areas of critical minerals and telecommunications. In the electronics sector, an agreement was signed between NIELIT and Infineon Technologies AG.

The green agenda remained prominent in the energy and climate sector. An offtake agreement for green ammonia was signed between AM Green (India) and Uniper Global Commodities (Germany). Additionally, new funding commitments of 1.24 billion euros were announced under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), which will support renewable energy, green hydrogen, e-bus services, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.

An MoU was signed between AIIMS and Charité University of Germany in health and education. A joint intention was announced to establish a Renewable Energy Centre of Excellence in Skilling in Hyderabad, and a Global Skill Partnership was also agreed upon for fair and sustainable recruitment of healthcare professionals.

At the diplomatic level, the Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue, the Indo-Pacific Dialogue System, and the Digital Dialogue Action Plan (2025-2027) were adopted. Significant decisions included the announcement of visa-free transit through Germany for Indian passport holders. The German Honorary Consulate in Ahmedabad was inaugurated.