India-Germany Partnership Is A Strategic Asset Amid Geopolitical Uncertainties: Friedrich Merz

Last Updated:January 12, 2026, 13:59 IST

Merz said his two-day visit to India comes at a time when profound global changes are challenging countries across the world. 

Merz also said violence against people who are protesting against the Iranian regime must stop and called upon the Iranian government to protect its citizens.  (Photo:X/MEA)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday called the partnership between India and Germany a “strategic asset" amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Merz said his two-day visit to India comes at a time when profound global changes are challenging countries across the world.

“It is no coincidence that India is the first Asian country I am visiting as Chancellor. It comes at a time when profound global changes are challenging us. Technological transformation and geopolitical uncertainties affect the way our economies operate and compete. Against this backdrop, the partnership between India and Germany is a strategic asset, economically, politically and in a global context," the Chancellor said, speaking at the India-Germany CEOs Forum in Gandhinagar.

Merz emphasized the need for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. “We discussed this with PM Modi and leading CEOs to fully tap the economic potential. We need to conclude a Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union. We must use this opportunity. The President of the European Union will be travelling to India by the end of this month to make progress towards it," he added.

Merz also said violence against people who are protesting against the Iranian regime must stop and called upon the Iranian government to protect its citizens. “People in Iran have been protesting peacefully for freedom and a better life in their country. It is their right to do so. I pay tribute to the courage with which they confront the disproportionate violence…The violence directed at the Iranian people is not a sign of strength, but of weakness, and it must stop."

Without naming the United States, Merz stated that the policy of protectionism contradicts the principles of free trade and open markets.

“Countries like India are focused on free trade and open markets. We are experiencing that great powers and big powers are using supply chains and raw materials as instruments of power. Together, we oppose this. By reducing unilateral dependencies in supply chains, we make both our economies more resilient," he said, addressing a joint press meet with PM Modi.

Merz further said that the world order is changing, marked by a return of great-power politics and spheres of influence.  “We advocate for an international order in which we can live freely and securely. The world order is changing as we speak, marked by great power politics and spheres of influence. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is probably the most drastic expression of this change. We don’t always agree on all matters, and that holds true for European partners as well, but our overlaps are very significant indeed," he said.

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