'United in fight against terrorism': PM Modi speaks to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, congratulates him on assuming office

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz on assuming office on Tuesday. The two leaders discussed "regional and global developments" and reiterated their stance "in the fight against terrorism ".

"Spoke to Chancellor @_FriedrichMerz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism," PM Modi said in a post on X.

Spoke to Chancellor @_FriedrichMerz and congratulated him on assuming office. Reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. Exchanged views on regional and global developments. We stand united in the fight against terrorism.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 20, 2025

This comes as the world is dealing with the consequences of tariff imposition by Donald Trump-administration. At regional level, India's anti-terror efforts under Operation Sindoor received global support.

Merz was elected Germany’s new chancellor earlier this month, securing victory in the second round of voting after an unexpected setback in the first.

His initial failure marked a historic moment—no chancellor candidate in post-war Germany had ever failed to win in the first round. Despite the surprise, political analysts remained confident about his chances. In the second ballot, Merz received 325 votes out of 630, clinching a clear majority and becoming Germany’s 10th chancellor since World War II.