Evian-Les-Bains (France): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the side lines of the G7 Summit, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and defence, while also exchanging views on the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The two leaders welcomed the understanding reached between the United States and Iran to end the conflict in West Asia.
"The discussions with Federal Chancellor Merz were very fruitful. We discussed possibilities for how we can further strengthen bilateral cooperation through joint efforts in the areas of trade, investments, circular economy, defence, IT, and other fields," Modi said on social media.
"We also talked about how we can strengthen the cultural relations between our countries," he said.
Shortly after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral engagements and expressed satisfaction with the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
"As India and Germany celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education and mobility," the MEA said.
The two sides also noted the conclusion of the negotiations between India and the European Union for a free trade agreement.
"They welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the operationalisation of transit visa waiver for Indian nationals transiting through Germany," the ministry added.
India is in the process of procuring six stealth submarines. German defence major ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) have been holding price negotiations with the Defence Ministry for the Euro 5 billion deal to supply six stealth submarines to the Indian Navy.
It is not immediately known what the discussions on defence entailed.
The prime minister also held a separate bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
"I had a very meaningful conversation with Lee Jae-myung, President of the Republic of Korea, in Evian. Just two months ago, I welcomed President Lee in India," Modi said in another social media post.
"The two countries are closely cooperating not only in trade and commerce but also in various future high-tech fields," he said.
