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Merz Opens India Trip With Modi Talks in Gujarat, Cooperation Pacts Signed

Focus shifts to technology and defense industry ties as Merz heads to Bengaluru on day two.

Overview

  • Delegation-level talks in Gandhinagar yielded signed MoUs, with both sides highlighting expanded collaboration across technology, renewables and resilient supply chains.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi said bilateral trade has surpassed $50 billion and announced a planned IndiaGermany Center of Excellence to accelerate innovation.
  • Leaders emphasized deeper security cooperation, with plans to ease defense trade priorities and draft a roadmap for industry collaboration focused on co-development and co-production.
  • A separate submarine program valued at about €5 billion for six vessels with Thyssenkrupp and Mazagon Dock remains under negotiation under the Make in India framework.
  • The visit began with joint appearances at Sabarmati Ashram and Ahmedabad’s kite festival, and Merz is scheduled to visit Bosch and the CeNSE institute in Bengaluru on January 13.