Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held wide-ranging discussions on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership and expanding cooperation across trade, defence, technology and sustainable development.
The meeting marked the second interaction between the two leaders this year and reflected the growing momentum in bilateral ties as both countries seek to deepen economic and strategic cooperation amid evolving global challenges.
During the talks, Modi and Merz reviewed progress on ongoing bilateral initiatives and expressed satisfaction with the renewed pace of engagement following the German Chancellor’s recent visit to India. The leaders also assessed developments stemming from the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations, which are expected to significantly boost trade and investment between India and EU member states, including Germany.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to broadening cooperation in key sectors such as defence and security, innovation, education, skilled mobility and green growth. They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, a framework designed to promote closer collaboration between the defence industries of both countries and support joint development and manufacturing projects.
A major people-to-people initiative highlighted during the meeting was the operationalisation of Germany’s transit visa waiver for Indian nationals travelling through the country, a move expected to simplify travel procedures and strengthen connectivity between the two nations.
The leaders also exchanged views on major international developments, including the situation in West Asia and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both welcomed recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Looking ahead, Chancellor Merz formally invited Prime Minister Modi to attend the eighth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), scheduled to take place in Germany later this year. The IGC mechanism, launched in 2011, serves as the highest-level institutional framework for bilateral cooperation and brings together ministers and senior officials from both governments to advance strategic priorities.
The meeting comes as India and Germany prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Germany remains one of India’s most significant partners in Europe, with strong collaboration in manufacturing, clean energy, vocational training, research and technological innovation.
Bilateral trade has steadily expanded over the past decade, while German companies continue to rank among the largest foreign investors in India. Analysts view the latest Modi-Merz talks as part of a broader effort by both nations to diversify supply chains, strengthen economic resilience and enhance cooperation in emerging technologies and strategic industries.
The upcoming Inter-Governmental Consultations are expected to provide fresh momentum to an increasingly important partnership between India and Germany as both countries seek greater collaboration in an uncertain global environment.
