Overview
- The German Chancellor begins a two-day official trip to India on January 12–13, with an Ahmedabad meeting that includes a 9:30 am visit to Sabarmati Ashram, a 10:00 am appearance at the International Kite Festival, and talks from 11:15 am at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.
- Defence and security cooperation features prominently on the agenda, with both sides preparing to sign a declaration of intent to guide future engagement.
- German media report that a submarine project valued at about $8 billion could be discussed, but there is no official confirmation of any deal during the visit.
- Economic and technology ties are a major focus, including a Bengaluru stop to advance cooperation in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, research and innovation.
- Diplomatic observers view the choice of Ahmedabad over New Delhi for the meeting as a gesture of warmth and a signal of Germany’s growing strategic interest in India.