How are PM Modi and German Chancellor Merz Uniting Against Terrorism?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi congratulates Chancellor Merz on his election.
- Both leaders emphasize the fight against terrorism.
- Commitment to strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany.
- Focus on collaboration in trade, investment, and technology.
- Recognition of the positive role of the Indian diaspora.
New Delhi, May 20 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephone dialogue with Friedrich Merz on Tuesday evening, extending his congratulations on Merz's recent election as the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "I spoke with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and congratulated him on his new role. We reaffirmed our dedication to enhancing the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. We exchanged insights on both regional and global developments and emphasized our united stance against terrorism."
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that both leaders acknowledged the significant advancements in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership over the last 25 years, committing to deepen bilateral relations in sectors such as trade, investment, defense, security, and technology.
They recognized the positive role played by the Indian diaspora in Germany and discussed various regional and global matters of mutual interest. The leaders reiterated their firm commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms. PM Modi extended an invitation for Chancellor Merz to visit India, with both agreeing to stay in contact.
Earlier this month, PM Modi had also expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Merz on his election victory.
"Warmest congratulations to Friedrich Merz on becoming the Federal Chancellor of Germany. I look forward to collaborating to further strengthen the India-Germany Strategic Partnership," PM Modi wrote on his X profile.
Merz, representing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was elected as German Chancellor after receiving 325 votes from members of Germany's Bundestag, exceeding the necessary 316 votes.
Born in 1955 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Merz pursued a law degree and served as a judge at the district court in Saarbrucken from 1985 to 1986.
He held a seat in the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was a member of the Bundestag from 1994 to 2009, leading the CDU/CSU parliamentary group from 2000 to 2002.
After stepping away from active politics in 2009, Merz announced his return in 2018, following then-Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision not to run for re-election, as reported by Xinhua. He subsequently became chairman of the CDU and led the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.