India, Germany to boost ties in defence, trade and critical tech

Gandhinagar: As PM Modi hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for bilateral talks in Gandhinagar, the two countries agreed to significantly boost their defence, trade and critical and emerging technology ties with the formalisation of 19 agreements. There were eight other announcements meant to ramp up cooperation in areas ranging from people-to-people contact to Indo-Pacific and green development, including visa-free transit for Indian passport-holders through Germany.Amongst the highlights was a joint declaration of intent on strengthening the bilateral defence industrial cooperation with Modi saying that both sides will also work on a roadmap to enhance cooperation between the defence industries, opening new opportunities for co-development and co-production."The growing cooperation in defence and security is a symbol of our mutual trust and shared vision. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Chancellor Merz for simplifying the processes related to defence trade," said the PM.Four agreements were signed to boost cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, including semiconductors and critical minerals. "India and Germany are working together to build secure, trusted, and resilient supply chains. The MoUs being signed today on all these areas will give new momentum and strength to our cooperation," said Modi.The leaders discussed a range of global and regional issues in detail, including Ukraine and Gaza, with Modi reiterating support for a peaceful resolution of all problems and disputes. "The two leaders reiterated their concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering and negative global consequences. They expressed support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter," said a joint statement.On Gaza, Modi and Merz backed a two-state solution while underlining the need for unhindered and at scale delivery of humanitarian aid to the enclave as well as unimpeded access for humanitarian organisations. "They reaffirmed their readiness to support efforts towards just and durable peace and reiterated their call for a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution of the conflict in the Middle East in the form of a negotiated two-state solution," said the statement.Agreeing that terrorism is a serious threat to all humanity, the leaders said India and Germany will continue to fight the menace together. The two unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. "They called for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. They condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J&K, on April 22, 2025, and the terror incident in Delhi on Nov 10, 2025," said the joint statement.The PM also announced the launch of a consultation mechanism to boost cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, saying both sides will continue to work together to support development in the Global South. "The strength of our friendship is visible on the global stage. Our trilateral development partnership, through joint projects in countries such as Ghana, Cameroon and Malawi, is a successful model for the world," he said.Reaffirming their strong support to India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the leaders emphasised its transformational potential in reshaping and promoting global commerce, connectivity and prosperity. "In this context, they look forward to the first IMEC ministerial meeting to take concrete steps for advancing this initiative," said the statement.