Modi–Merz meeting delivers big win for Indians: Germany allows visa-free airport transit

“Announcement of visa-free transit for Indian passport holders for transiting through Germany,” the Indian government said in a press release outlining the key outcomes of the discussions between the two leaders.

Under the new arrangement, Indian passport holders will be able to transit through German airports for onward international connections without the need to apply for a separate transit visa, significantly easing travel.

A Joint Statement issued after the talks said Prime Minister Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for the announcement, noting that the decision would not only facilitate smoother travel for Indian nationals but also further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Chancellor Merz is on an official visit to India from January 12 to 13, accompanied by a high-level delegation of 23 leading German CEOs and industry leaders, underscoring the strong economic dimension of the visit.

This marks Chancellor Merz’s first official visit to India and his first visit to Asia as Federal Chancellor, reflecting the high priority Germany places on India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit follows the successful 7th India–Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) held in New Delhi on October 25, 2024, and comes at a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. The year 2025 marks 25 years of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, while 2026 will commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Both leaders welcomed the renewed momentum in bilateral engagement across government, business, civil society and academia, noting that it has played a crucial role in advancing and deepening the Strategic Partnership.