German Chancellor Merz to Visit India on Jan 12-13: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru on Itinerary, Delhi Skipped

New Delhi, January 6 (TNA) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will undertake a two-day official visit to India on January 12-13, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral ties.

Merz is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad on January 12, focusing on trade, defence cooperation, green energy, and strategic partnerships amid global uncertainties. The meeting highlights Gujarat’s growing role as a hub for German investments in manufacturing and renewable energy.

On January 13, the Chancellor will travel to Bengaluru to engage with industry leaders, tech innovators, and Karnataka officials, highlighting Germany’s interest in India’s startup ecosystem and semiconductor ambitions. Discussions may cover AI collaboration, skill development, and expanding the Indo-German Green Corridor.

Notably, the itinerary skips New Delhi, breaking from tradition for high-level visits. Diplomatic observers attribute this to packed schedules and a deliberate focus on economic powerhouses, signalling a pragmatic shift in protocol. No official reason was provided, though it aligns with recent trends prioritising federal-state engagements.

The visit, Merz’s first to India as Chancellor, builds on robust Indo-German relations-bilateral trade hit €25 billion in 2025-with expectations of new MoUs in emerging tech and climate action. PM Modi’s office and the German Embassy are yet to issue formal confirmations.