Overview
- Germany and India signed a defense-sector intent to deepen security ties, including plans for closer industry cooperation and activities in the Indo-Pacific.
- A TKMS project to build six submarines in Mumbai, valued at about €8 billion, was described as near agreement but remains without a finalized contract.
- Merz urged a swift conclusion to the long-running EU–India free trade agreement, with EU leaders expected in New Delhi late January for a potential signing.
- The package spans future technologies and critical raw materials, alongside an Uniper offtake deal for up to 500,000 tons of ammonia annually and a plan to recruit Indian health workers.
- Traveling with a large CEO delegation, Merz highlighted record bilateral trade of roughly $50 billion and said closer ties could help reduce India’s dependence on Russian arms and oil.