In a glowing endorsement, Germany’s envoy in New Delhi, Philipp Ackermann, celebrated Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official sojourn to India. The visit, hosted by PM Narendra Modi in Gujarat, unfolded over two days and covered high-stakes dialogues on defense, commerce, investments, and migration policies.

Posting on X, Ackermann called the trip ‘truly unique,’ spotlighting Merz’s encounter with a young Indian who mastered German in mere four months—a interaction that left the Chancellor visibly moved. Merz landed in Ahmedabad on Monday, setting the stage for substantive engagements.

Modi and Merz recommitted to fortifying defense cooperation, from joint military exercises to consistent naval exchanges. Reflecting on X, PM Modi described the hospitality extended in Ahmedabad as a milestone. ‘This visit breathes new life into our partnership as we mark 25 years of strategic ties and 75 years of diplomacy,’ he wrote, appreciating Merz’s choice of India for his Asian debut.

The agenda pushed for premium-grade relations, encompassing defense, aerospace innovation, climate initiatives, supply chain resilience, talent upskilling, academic exchanges, sports diplomacy, cultural bridges, and grassroots linkages. As global tensions rise, this diplomatic outreach underscores India and Germany’s aligned visions for stability, growth, and mutual prosperity.