Modi, German Chancellor Merz Discuss Expanding Strategic Partnership at G7 Summit

Evian (France), June 206 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to further deepen their strategic partnership across a range of sectors.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction over the renewed momentum in India-Germany relations following Chancellor Merz’s visit to India earlier this year and the successful conclusion of negotiations for the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

As India and Germany prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, both leaders reiterated their resolve to expand cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education, and mobility.

The meeting marked the second interaction between Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merz this year, underlining the growing engagement between the two countries. During the discussions, both sides welcomed recent developments such as the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the operationalisation of transit visa waivers for Indian nationals travelling through Germany.

The leaders also exchanged views on major regional and global developments, including the evolving situation in West Asia and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. They welcomed recent diplomatic efforts and understandings aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region.

Chancellor Merz extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the 8th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), scheduled to be held later this year in Germany. The IGC mechanism serves as a key platform for advancing bilateral cooperation and reviewing progress in strategic initiatives.

Sharing details of the meeting on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi described the talks as highly productive.

“The talks with Chancellor Merz were very fruitful. We discussed ways to further cement bilateral cooperation by working together in trade, investments, circular economy, defence, IT and more. We also talked about boosting cultural linkages between our nations,” Modi wrote.

The meeting took place during the G7 Summit being hosted under France’s presidency in Evian. This year marks India’s 13th participation in the G7 process and Prime Minister Modi’s seventh consecutive attendance at the summit, reflecting India’s growing role in global affairs.

Chancellor Merz had visited India in January at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi in his first official trip to the country after assuming office. During that visit, the two leaders met in Gujarat and agreed to strengthen collaboration in areas such as defence, space, and emerging technologies.

The latest discussions in Evian underscore the increasing strategic convergence between India and Germany as both countries seek to expand cooperation in critical sectors while addressing shared global challenges.