Geopolitics

Bonn and New Delhi agreed to exchange diplomatic missions. 2026 is the 75th year of relations; the Strategic Partnership dates from May 2000.

Auswärtiges Amt

France supplied 33% of India’s arms imports, up from 18% in 2016–2020; Russia’s share fell from 49% to 36%.

SIPRI data, via ORF

The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor was agreed at the G20 in New Delhi by India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy and the EU. Three years on, no ministerial meeting has been held; France’s envoy hopes for one by the end of 2026.

Indian Ministry of External Affairs, ANI

Chancellor Merz visited Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, his first trip to Asia in office. The joint statement lists a defence-industrial roadmap and agreements on semiconductors and critical minerals. The 8th intergovernmental consultations are planned in Germany toward the end of 2026.

Joint statement (PIB), Auswärtiges Amt

The 16th EU–India Summit in New Delhi adopted Towards 2030: A Joint India–European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda. It replaces the Roadmap to 2025.

Council of the EU

The EU and India signed their first Security and Defence Partnership, covering 17 areas, including maritime and cyber security. The first Security and Defence Dialogue met in New Delhi on 6 March 2026.

EEAS

Jasper Wieck took up his post as German Ambassador to India. He served as Deputy Head of Mission in New Delhi from 2017 to 2020.

IANS