BS EDIT: German Chancellor’s visit revives hopes of an India–EU FTA

By Business StandardPublished On Jan 14, 2026

Why the visit matters

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit has renewed momentum for the long-pending India–EU free-trade agreement

Trade and beyond

Germany is India’s largest EU trading partner. An FTA could deepen ties beyond current trade levels

Strategic cooperation

India and Germany are expanding defence ties, including joint exercises and co-development plans

Technology and education

Cooperation spans semiconductors, green goals, and German universities setting up in India

Geopolitics reshapes priorities

Global uncertainty and strained EU–US ties raise the value of India–EU partnerships

Why the FTA matters now

A timely FTA could bring stability but needs flexibility from both sides