Ahmedabad: India and Germany announced a series of major initiatives to strengthen cooperation in defence, trade, critical minerals, semiconductors, education and technology, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to intensify strategic collaboration amid global geopolitical challenges.

Following wide-ranging talks, on Monday, both sides signed 19 agreements, including a landmark roadmap for defence industrial collaboration, enhanced partnership in higher education, and a pact to deepen cooperation in telecommunications.

In a significant move boosting mobility and people-to-people ties, Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders travelling through German airports, a development expected to greatly benefit Indian travellers, students, professionals, and the diaspora.

Both leaders also pushed for the early conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to expand trade, investment flows and economic resilience. Modi said bilateral trade has reached a record USD 50 billion, reflecting growing economic trust, with over 2,000 German companies operating in India.

Modi and Merz reiterated their commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific, respect for international law, including UNCLOS, and unveiled a new Indo-Pacific consultation mechanism, amid rising regional security concerns. They reaffirmed strong backing for the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) for enhancing global connectivity and commerce.

Germany and India will also collaborate on green hydrogen, clean energy, resilient supply chains, climate initiatives, urban development and mobility, while stepping up cooperation on semiconductors and critical minerals to reduce strategic dependencies.

The leaders discussed key global issues, including Ukraine and Gaza, stressing the peaceful resolution of conflicts. They also strongly condemned terrorism and violent extremism, called for dismantling terror networks, and reaffirmed cooperation on counterterrorism efforts.

A major skill partnership agreement signed during the visit will facilitate greater movement of Indian healthcare professionals and skilled workers to Germany, which already hosts nearly 300,000 Indians and 60,000 students.

Calling the Indo-Pacific a priority, Modi highlighted India’s focus on building secure, trusted and resilient economic and security partnerships. He also invited German universities to set up campuses in India, under a new higher education collaboration roadmap.

Chancellor Merz, on his first Asia visit since assuming office and accompanied by a high-powered business delegation, said both nations are united in securing trusted supply chains and reducing unilateral dependencies to enhance economic resilience.

PTI