German media: Kites and Submarines: Mertz visits "Ideal Partner" India

Differing from his predecessors, German Chancellor Mertz's first trip to Asia was not to China or Japan, but to the world's most populous country – India. He was welcomed with unprecedented enthusiasm in India.

Mertz and Modi flew kites together, both pulling the same string – or is it symbolic? Image source: Kay Nietfeld/dpa/picture alliance

With the transformation of the world order, Germany and India have responded by expanding their bilateral strategic partnership. Arms, economy – the two countries will cooperate more closely. German Chancellor Mertz signed a total of 27 agreements with Indian Prime Minister Modi to strengthen cooperation.

Mertz confidently stated that the EU and India are expected to soon reach a free trade agreement, thus promoting bilateral economic relations. In the arms sector, the two sides plan to build submarines in Mumbai, worth billions of euros, which will become a benchmark project.

"For Germany, relationships with Europe and the United States are important. But today, we must expand our partner network, quickly and for the long term," Mertz said after meeting with Modi. "India is an ideal partner for Germany."

Modi praised Mertz as "focused and determined"

Modi stated that Mertz's visit has brought new momentum and trust to the relationship between the two countries. He thanked Mertz for his "focus and determination."

Mertz was welcomed with unprecedented enthusiasm in India. Modi invited him to his hometown – the megacity of Ahmedabad, which is a special gesture, as only a few foreign guests have been granted such honor so far.

"The world today needs Gandhi's teachings more than ever before"

Before Mertz arrived, giant posters of Mertz and Modi were already on the streets of this city with 8 million inhabitants. The Indian prime minister visited a Gandhi memorial site. Gandhi lived at this location in Ahmedabad from 1918 to 1930. It was here that he began leading India's nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule, eventually leading to independence. Mertz wrote in the guestbook: "This human heritage connects the people of India and Germany, making them friends, and the world today needs Gandhi's teachings more than ever before."

Later, Modi and Mertz traveled together to a traditional kite festival, where thousands of paper kites soared into the sky. Both tried flying multiple kites from an open-top car. Both pulling one line, this image may also be symbolic.

Previous German chancellors mostly visited China and Japan first

The warm welcome Mertz received in Ahmedabad might be because his first East Asian trip was neither to China – Germany's most important trading partner – nor to Japan – the only Asian ally in G7. In a new world order, major powers like the US, China, and Russia are competing to expand their spheres of influence. Mertz hopes to expand his alliance network through new partners.

19 statements of intent, 8 specific announcements – Germany wants to consolidate its relationship with India, covering areas from rare earth mining to promoting youth hockey. However, the most important result of this visit relates to trade, skilled labor, and arms.

Economy: Free Trade Agreement by early February?

Mertz hopes that the EU and India can sign a free trade agreement at a summit on January 27th. He said that it is urgent to tap into the potential of the trade relationship between Germany and India. "We cannot miss this opportunity."

Skilled Labor: 170,000 Indian workers have settled in Germany

Germany's attraction of Indian skilled labor is considered a success story, especially in the healthcare and nursing sectors. According to data from the German labor department, the number of Indian workers registered for employment in Germany increased from less than 25,000 to nearly 170,000 between 2015 and 2025. Among international students in Germany, Indian students number nearly 60,000, making them the largest group.

Arms: Submarine Agreement Approaching

The most significant statement is probably the cooperation in the arms industry. Although a specific agreement has not yet been signed, India plans to build six submarines in Mumbai with German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), valued at 8 billion euros. The signing of the specific agreement is expected to happen soon, possibly opening the door for further cooperation.

Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) show that India is the world's largest arms importer. However, between 2019 and 2023, the country still imported 36% of its arms from Russia, although the trend is declining. German arms exports to India could reduce India's dependence on Russia. This is what Mertz expects.

India-Russia Relations Are Close – Mertz Doesn't Want to "Lecturing"

Relations with Russia might be the biggest difference between Germany and India. Modi maintains at least as good relations with Moscow as Western countries like Germany. Just in December, Russian President Putin visited New Delhi, where he was warmly embraced by Modi at the airport. Mertz's visit did not bring such a scene.

India imports a large amount of oil and natural gas from Russia, which effectively funds the invasion of Ukraine. Given India's huge energy demands, Mertz expressed some understanding. "My impression is that if they can reduce this dependency, they would do so." Regardless, he does not want to pressure them. "Pressure is not the right tool to enhance partnerships," Mertz said. "I don't want to lecture when visiting other countries."

Source: DW+ according to DPA and others

Original: toutiao.com/article/7594838987362157106/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself.