Blitz Bureau
PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on May 20 held a telephone conversation with Friedrich Merz on and congratulated him on assuming office as the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
“Spoke to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism,” PM Modi posted on X.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders noted the “excellent progress” in the IndiaGermany Strategic Partnership over the past 25 years and agreed to work closely to further strengthen bilateral ties, including in the areas of trade and investment, defence and security, and innovation and technology.
“Both leaders noted the positive contribution made by the Indian diaspora in Germany. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The leaders reiterated their shared commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. Prime Minister invited Chancellor Merz to visit India. The leaders agreed to remain in touch,” read a statement issued by the MEA. PM Modi had also extended warm congratulations to the Chancellor of Germany on his election triumph, earlier this month.
Germany is one of India’s most important trading partners in the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching approximately €25 billion in recent years. Both nations have also collaborated on global forums such as the G20 and the United Nations, often aligning on issues like climate finance, global health, and sustainable development.
Merz from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was elected German Chancellor after a total of 325 members of Germany’s Bundestag, the country’s lower house of parliament, voted for him, surpassing the 316 seats needed.
According to The New York Times, Merz secured the chancellorship after winning a second-chance vote in Parliament, recovering from an earlier defeat that had raised concerns about political instability.
