INTERNATIONAL
Merz: Germany wants closer security cooperation with India to reduce Russia reliance
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi fly kites during the inauguration of the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, India, January 12, 2026. - REUTERS
AHMEDABAD, India: Germany wants to cooperate more closely on security issues with India to reduce the latter's reliance on Russia, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
AI Brief
The countries signed a memorandum of understanding to that effect during Merz's first trip to the South Asian nation, in addition to agreements on critical minerals, the health sector and an artificial intelligence innovation centre.
"India and Germany are working together to build secure, trusted and resilient supply chains. The MoUs being signed today on all these issues will give new momentum and strength to our cooperation," said Modi at a joint news conference.
India still works closely with Russia, where much of its military equipment originates, on security policy, and it is one of the largest buyers of Russian gas and oil alongside China.
Germany is working to ensure the Indian government prevents Indian companies from circumventing sanctions on Russia and reduce its energy imports - demands India has so far rejected.
Merz also called for India and the European Union to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement during, with his visit intended to provide impetus for concluding a deal by the end of January.
The world is experiencing "a renaissance of protectionism," said Merz, and this damages Germany and India.
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AI Brief
- India and Germany signed MoUs on supply chains, critical minerals, health, and AI innovation.
- Germany urges India to curb Russian energy imports and avoid sanction circumvention.
- Merz pushes for India-EU free trade deal to counter rising global protectionism.
The countries signed a memorandum of understanding to that effect during Merz's first trip to the South Asian nation, in addition to agreements on critical minerals, the health sector and an artificial intelligence innovation centre.
"India and Germany are working together to build secure, trusted and resilient supply chains. The MoUs being signed today on all these issues will give new momentum and strength to our cooperation," said Modi at a joint news conference.
India still works closely with Russia, where much of its military equipment originates, on security policy, and it is one of the largest buyers of Russian gas and oil alongside China.
Germany is working to ensure the Indian government prevents Indian companies from circumventing sanctions on Russia and reduce its energy imports - demands India has so far rejected.
Merz also called for India and the European Union to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement during, with his visit intended to provide impetus for concluding a deal by the end of January.
The world is experiencing "a renaissance of protectionism," said Merz, and this damages Germany and India.
Your gateway to global news, insights, and stories that matter.