German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has arrived in India on January 12, 2026, for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country since assuming office on May 6, 2025. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to significantly bolster the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Chancellor Merz's itinerary includes engagements in Ahmedabad, where he will be received by Prime Minister Modi, and later in Bengaluru. In Ahmedabad, the leaders are expected to visit the Sabarmati Ashram and participate in the International Kite Festival. Official bilateral discussions will take place in Gandhinagar, focusing on a comprehensive review of the progress across various aspects of the strategic partnership, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The primary agenda for the talks includes intensifying cooperation in critical sectors such as trade, investment, technology, education, skilling, and mobility. A significant focus will also be on advancing collaboration in defence and security, science, innovation, research, and green and sustainable development. Reports indicate that discussions may involve India's plans to diversify military procurement, with a proposed $8-billion submarine project being a potential highlight for deeper defence collaboration. Both leaders are also expected to engage with business and industry leaders to explore new avenues for economic engagement. This high-level interaction follows their previous meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada, where Prime Minister Modi extended the invitation for this official visit. The timing of Chancellor Merz's visit is also strategically important as it precedes the India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27, further highlighting Germany's growing interest in India as a key strategic partner.