Your Excellency, My Friend, Chancellor Friedrich Merz,
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from the media,
Namaskaar!
Guten Tag!

It is a matter of special joy for me to welcome Chancellor Merz on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda Jayanti today. It is a pleasant coincidence that Swami Vivekananda himself built the bridge of philosophy, knowledge, and spirituality between India and Germany. And today, Chancellor Merz’s visit is giving that bridge new energy, renewed trust, and scope.

As Chancellor, this is his first visit not only to India, but to Asia. It is a strong testament to the importance he places on relations with India. I thank him sincerely for his personal attention and commitment. India is fully committed to further strengthening its friendship and partnership with Germany.

In Gujarat, we say ‘आवकारो मिठो आपजे रे, which means to welcome someone with warmth and affection. With the same spirit and emotion, we extend a heartfelt welcome to Chancellor Merz to India.

Friends,

Chancellor Merz’s visit is taking place at a particularly significant time. Last year, we completed 25 years of our strategic partnership, and this year we are also celebrating 75 years of our diplomatic relations. These milestones are not merely markers of time. They are symbols of our shared ambitions, mutual trust, and steadily strengthening cooperation.

Close cooperation between the economies of countries like India and Germany is important for all of humanity. The growing trade and investment ties have infused new energy into our strategic partnership. Our bilateral trade has now reached its highest level ever and crossed USD 50 billion mark.

More than two thousand German companies have been present in India for a long time. This reflects their unwavering confidence in India and the immense opportunities that exist here. This was evident at the India - Germany CEO Forum this morning.

Friends,

Technology cooperation between India and Germany has grown stronger year after year, and today its impact is clearly visible on the ground.

In the field of renewable energy, India and Germany share similar priorities. To strengthen cooperation in this area, we have decided to establish the India - Germany Centre of Excellence. It will serve as a shared platform for knowledge, technology, and innovation.

We’re jointly advancing new projects in areas such as climate, energy, urban development, and urban mobility. The new mega project in green hydrogen involving companies from both countries will prove to be a game-changer for the energy of the future.

India and Germany are working together to build secure, trusted, and resilient supply chains. The MoUs being signed today on all these areas will give new momentum and strength to our cooperation.

Friends,

The growing cooperation in defence and security is a symbol of our mutual trust and shared vision. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Chancellor Merz for simplifying the processes related to defence trade.

We will also work on a roadmap to enhance cooperation between our defence industries, which will open up new opportunities for co-development and co-production.

Friends,

India and Germany share deep and historic people-to-people ties. The works of Rabindranath Tagore gave a new perspective to Germany’s intellectual world. Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy inspired not only Germany but all of Europe. And Madame Cama, by unfurling India’s flag of freedom in Germany for the first time, gave global recognition to our aspirations for independence. Today, we are giving this historic connection the form of a modern partnership.

Special emphasis has been placed on enhancing migration, mobility, and skilling. India’s talented young workforce is making a significant contribution to Germany’s economy.

The Joint Declaration of Intent issued today on the Global Skills Partnership is a symbol of this trust. It will especially facilitate the mobility of healthcare professionals

Today, we have also taken concrete steps to advance cooperation in the field of sports. This will become an effective means of connecting our youth.

The Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education released today will give a new direction to our partnership in the education sector. I invite German universities to open their campuses in India.

I express my gratitude to Chancellor Merz for the announcement of visa-free transit for Indian citizens. This will further strengthen people-to-people connections between our two countries.

I am pleased that the German Maritime Museum is joining the National Maritime Heritage Complex being developed at Lothal in Gujarat. This is a historic step that will connect the maritime histories of both our countries

Gujarat Ayurveda University has had close cooperation with Germany in the field of traditional medicine. The MoU being signed today will further strengthen this collaboration.

Friends,

India and Germany have always stood shoulder to shoulder. The strength of our friendship is visible on the global stage. Our trilateral development partnership, through joint projects in countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, and Malawi, is a successful model for the world. We will continue to work together to support development in the Global South.

The Indo-Pacific is of high priority for both countries. To enhance our cooperation in this region, we are going to launch a Consultation Mechanism.

Today, we discussed a range of global and regional issues in detail, including Ukraine and Gaza. India has always advocated for the peaceful resolution of all problems and disputes, and supports all efforts being made in this direction.

We agree that terrorism is a serious threat to all humanity. India and Germany will continue to fight it together with full determination.

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.

Excellency,

On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I once again extend a warm welcome to you in India. I am confident that today's discussions will give new energy and clear direction to the India-Germany partnership.

Thank you for your visit, your personal support, and your friendship with India.

Danke schön.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's address. Original address was delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/VJ