India has expressed appreciation for Germany’s decision to allow visa-free transit for Indian nationals passing through German airports. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this move, effective from June 3, follows discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Friedrich Merz during Merz’s visit to India in January 2026. The new arrangement is expected to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The German Embassy in New Delhi announced that Indian travelers will no longer need a transit visa for layovers at German airports when en route to another country. This decision, published in the Federal Law Gazette on June 2, 2026, is a result of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India earlier in the year. It reflects Germany’s commitment to enhancing relations with India, easing travel, and bolstering economic connections.
During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merz acknowledged the growth in bilateral trade and investment, highlighting a record high in trade volume in 2024 that continued positively into 2025. The two nations signed multiple agreements spanning trade, technology, health, and renewable energy sectors. A total of 19 agreements were reached, along with policy announcements aimed at enhancing cooperation in strategic, economic, and people-to-people aspects.
