Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 18:10 IST PM Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held delegation-level talks in Ahmedabad, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and PM Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad. (PMO) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and Germany have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a higher level and pledged deeper cooperation in defence, space, and other critical technologies following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s maiden visit to India on Monday. Merz arrived in India for a two-day trip, which is also his first visit to Asia as the German Chancellor. The two leaders paid floral tribute at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram, and participated in the famous Kite Festival, before addressing the India-Germany CEOs Forum on Monday. “It was a pleasure hosting Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad. His visit has infused new momentum into India–Germany ties, as we mark 25 years of our Strategic Partnership and 75 years of diplomatic relations. India is honoured that he has chosen our nation as …