May 23, 2025: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Friday, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s best wishes and reinforcing the commitment to deepen the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Germany’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism and emphasized the shared goals of both nations.
“Honored to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz today in Berlin. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s best wishes. Look forward to working with his Government to elevate and expand our Strategic Partnership. Appreciate Germany’s solidarity as India counters the challenge of terrorism,” Jaishankar posted on X.
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During his visit, Jaishankar also met with Dr. Gunter Sautter, Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Chancellor Merz. The two leaders discussed global security challenges, with a strong focus on counterterrorism.
“Our deepening partnership is an important factor of stability in an uncertain world,” Jaishankar noted, stressing mutual efforts to build resilience and trust.
The EAM further engaged with Katherina Reiche, Germany’s Minister of Economy and Energy, exploring ways to strengthen talent exchange, industry collaboration, and the creation of resilient supply chains between the two countries.
He also held a dialogue with members of the German Bundestag, highlighting India’s firm commitment to combat terrorism in all forms and welcomed the German lawmakers’ support for growing India-Germany relations.
In Berlin, Jaishankar chaired a regional conference of Indian Ambassadors in Europe, focusing on Operation Sindoor and reaffirming India’s message of zero tolerance for terrorism. Discussions included strategies for deeper engagement with Europe amid ongoing global shifts.
Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, was a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 militants from Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Following retaliatory strikes from Pakistan, including cross-border shelling and drone attacks, India launched coordinated air raids on key Pakistani military infrastructure. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10.