German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad on January 12, 2026, for his first official visit to India. He will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing on trade, investment, defense, and critical technologies. The leaders are scheduled to visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in a kite festival.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad early on January 12, 2026, where he was warmly received by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spans January 12-13 and marks Merz's first trip to Asia since becoming chancellor.
Prime Minister Modi reached Sabarmati Ashram in the morning to review the redevelopment project. He will welcome Merz at 9:30 AM for bilateral talks focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and critical technologies. Germany is India's largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching 51.23 billion USD in 2024-25.
The discussions will also address geopolitical tensions, peace restoration in Ukraine, and global challenges. A key highlight could be the finalization of a 5 billion euro submarine deal between German firm ThyssenKrupp and Mazagon Dock for six stealth submarines for the Indian Navy, considered one of the largest 'Make in India' projects.
The leaders will visit the historic Sabarmati Ashram, participate in the city's kite festival, and attend a skill development event. After Ahmedabad, Merz will proceed to Bengaluru. The trip comes 25 years after the establishment of the India-Germany strategic partnership. The two nations are collaborating on the 'Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap.' In the coming days, top European Union leaders will visit India, potentially announcing the long-awaited India-EU free trade agreement.
"Welcome to India! Willkommen in Indien!" read a tweet on Merz's arrival.
