New Delhi: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be arriving in India for his first official visit on January 12th and 13th, but unlike other world leaders, he will skip Delhi and head directly to Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. This is a significant move, as it marks the first time a German Chancellor will visit India in such a manner, bypassing the national capital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally receive Chancellor Merz upon his arrival. After Ahmedabad, Merz will head to Bengaluru for the remainder of his trip.
With this visit, Merz will join the ranks of five global leaders who have visited Ahmedabad during Modi’s tenure, highlighting the growing importance of the city on the international diplomatic map.
A Timely Visit Amid EU’s Trade Talks
This visit comes just before crucial discussions regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which European Union leaders are expected to finalize shortly. This FTA is of significant importance, especially given India’s ongoing trade disputes with the United States over tariffs. European leaders are keen to strike a deal with India to boost trade and investment ties, and Chancellor Merz’s visit is likely to pave the way for these critical discussions.
Additionally, in February 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the AI Summit in India, underscoring the increasing diplomatic and economic ties between Europe and India.
Geopolitical Significance
The visit by European leaders, including Chancellor Merz, is happening at a critical juncture in global geopolitics. Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the U.S. government has been exerting pressure on global trade policies, especially targeting countries like Venezuela, and threatening to escalate tensions with nations like Cuba and Greenland.
India is playing an increasingly significant role in global diplomacy, especially as it prepares to host the BRICS Summit this year, taking on a leadership role for the Global South. This aligns with India’s growing influence in the international arena, particularly in the face of American interventions and European geopolitics.
India-Germany Cooperation: Key Areas of Focus
During his visit, Chancellor Merz and Prime Minister Modi are expected to discuss several key issues of mutual interest, including:
- Trade and investment
- Security and technology cooperation
- Education, clean energy, mobility, and innovation
- Green and sustainable development
One of the major points of discussion will be the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap, launched in 2024. The initiative aims to increase the production, consumption, and export of green hydrogen in India, positioning both countries at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions.
Noteworthy Global Leaders Who Have Visited Ahmedabad
Chancellor Merz will be the sixth global leader to visit Ahmedabad during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure. The list of leaders who have visited the city includes:
- Xi Jinping, President of China, visited in September 2014.
- Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan, visited in September 2017.
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, visited in January 2018.
- Donald Trump, former President of the United States, visited in February 2020 for the “Namaste Trump” event, one of the largest political gatherings in the city’s history.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, visited in February 2024 for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.
These visits underscore the growing diplomatic significance of Gujarat, especially Ahmedabad, in shaping India’s foreign relations and global standing.
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