Overview
- The German chancellor arrived in Ahmedabad for a January 12–13 visit that includes a joint stop at Sabarmati Ashram, the International Kite Festival, talks at Mahatma Mandir, and a follow-up day in Bengaluru.
- Both sides are set to advance a defence and security roadmap and are expected to unveil cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals and new skills and mobility measures.
- A multibillion-dollar submarine program involving Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Mazagon Dock remains under negotiation and is not expected to be signed during this trip.
- Security links are expanding as India prepares to host a German liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region, with documentation reported to be in advanced stages.
- Merz is traveling with a 25-CEO business delegation as Berlin pushes trade, investment and skilled‑labour pathways and seeks momentum on the EU–India free‑trade talks ahead of late‑January meetings.