German Chancellor Merz begins his first state visit to India

Merz is due to meet India's Prime Minister Modi, on his first visit to India since becoming chancellor. The visit comes just weeks ahead of plans to sign a long-awaited free trade agreement between India and the EU.

• Germany's Friedrich Merz has arrived in India on his first trip as chancellor
• Merz will visit Ahmedabad, including the Gandhi Ashram
• He will also pay a short visit to Bengaluru
• The visit comes weeks ahead of the EU-India summit

Read below for all the latest headlines and analyses regarding Merz's visit to India on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, Janurary 13, 2026: