German Chancellor Merz Visits India, Boosts Ties with Modi

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Ahmedabad, India, on Monday for his first official visit to the country and his inaugural trip to Asia, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to elevate bilateral ties through new agreements on trade, defense and technology cooperation.

Merz, whose visit marks the first by a German chancellor outside Europe and NATO since taking office, began his two-day itinerary with a symbolic tribute at Sabarmati Ashram, the former residence of India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi. The two leaders paid floral respects at Gandhi's statue, with Merz observing local customs by removing his shoes. They then joined the International Kite Festival along the Sabarmati Riverfront, flying kites from an open-top vehicle amid the vibrant celebrations in Gujarat's largest city.

The ceremonial activities preceded formal delegation-level talks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in nearby Gandhinagar. There, Modi and Merz reaffirmed shared democratic values and a commitment to a rules-based international order, as outlined in a joint statement. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation amid global instability, with both leaders...