Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invited German universities to set up their own campuses in India. This move is part of a new and detailed plan to strengthen higher education cooperation between India and Germany. The announcement came during the official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
At a joint press conference, PM Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for allowing visa-free transit for Indian citizens. He said this decision will help bring people from both countries closer. “The comprehensive roadmap on higher education that we have developed today will give a new direction to our partnership in the field of education. I invite German universities to open their campuses in India. I express my gratitude to Chancellor Merz for announcing visa-free transit for Indian citizens,” the Prime Minister said.
#WATCH | Gandhinagar, Gujarat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I express my gratitude to Chancellor Merz for the announcement of visa-free transit for Indian citizens. This will further strengthen the ties between the people of both countries. I am happy that the German… pic.twitter.com/PjqgXP2TQr
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
India and Germany Share Views on Global Peace and Terrorism
PM Modi said the two leaders had detailed talks on major international issues, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. He added that both India and Germany agree that terrorism is a serious danger to the world and must be fought together.
“India has consistently advocated the peaceful resolution of all conflicts and disputes and supports all initiatives aimed at achieving this goal. We are united in our belief that terrorism poses a grave threat to humanity as a whole. India and Germany remain committed to combating this menace together, with unwavering determination,” he said.
The Prime Minister also spoke about the need to reform global institutions so they can deal better with today’s challenges. He pointed to the joint efforts of India and Germany through the G4 group to reform the UN Security Council.
“The Memorandums of Understanding being signed today will provide fresh momentum and strength to our collaboration across all these areas. India and Germany agree that reforming global institutions is crucial for addressing global challenges. Our joint efforts through the G4 group to reform the UN Security Council are a testament to this shared belief,” he added.
India-Germany Partnership: Strong Push on Climate, Energy and Green Projects
PM Modi highlighted growing cooperation between India and Germany in climate action, clean energy, and urban development. He said new green hydrogen mega projects, involving companies from both countries, could shape the future of energy.
“India and Germany are committed to developing a secure, trustworthy and resilient supply chain,” he said.
India-Germany Partnership: Growing Cooperation in Technology, Defence and Security
The Prime Minister said India and Germany have made steady progress in technology, defence, and security. He thanked Chancellor Merz for making defence trade easier and said both countries will work on a new plan to boost cooperation between their defence industries.
“Technology cooperation between India and Germany has strengthened year after year, and its impact is clearly visible on the ground today. India and Germany share similar priorities in the field of renewable energy. The growing cooperation in defense and security is a symbol of our mutual trust and shared vision,” PM Modi said.
#WATCH | Gandhinagar, Gujarat: At the India-Germany CEOs Forum, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “We all have complete clarity on the fact that the India-Germany partnership is not only mutually beneficial but also better for the world. India is moving towards becoming a world… pic.twitter.com/XNOVYDRDYn
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
“I express my sincere gratitude to Chancellor Merkel for simplifying the processes related to defense trade. We will also work on a roadmap to enhance cooperation between our defense industries, which will open up new opportunities for co-development and co-production,” he added.
India-Germany Partnership: Deep Cultural and People-to-People Links
PM Modi also spoke about the long cultural ties between India and Germany. He mentioned great figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda and Madam Bhikaji Cama as symbols of the strong historical bond between the two nations.
“Today, we are transforming this historical connection into a modern partnership,” he said.
India-Germany Partnership: Merz’s Visit Marks Key Milestones
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit is special as it marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Germany and 25 years of their Strategic Partnership. This is also Merz’s first official visit to India since becoming Chancellor.
The two-day visit, from January 12 to January 13, is expected to further strengthen ties in many areas. On January 13, Merz will visit Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) before returning to Germany.
At the India-Germany CEOs Forum, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says,”…Under my government, Germany is open for business and open for business cooperation. At the same time, we are strongly interested in further opportunities for German
#WATCH | Gandhinagar, Gujarat: At the India-Germany CEOs Forum, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says,”…Under my government, Germany is open for business and open for business cooperation. At the same time, we are strongly interested in further opportunities for German… pic.twitter.com/vmEFM4x4Dq
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
The visit aims to deepen cooperation and support a future-focused partnership that benefits both countries and the wider world
