Germany has announced a visa-free transit facility for Indian passport holders travelling through its airports, a move expected to make international travel easier for Indian nationals and give a boost to people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The decision was announced in the India–Germany joint statement issued on Monday after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India from January 12 to 13. The visit marked Merz’s first trip to India and also his first visit to Asia since taking office as Federal Chancellor.
Under the visa-free transit facility, Indian travellers transiting through German airports on their way to a third country will no longer be required to obtain a separate transit visa. Officials said the move would reduce paperwork and make travel smoother and faster for passengers.
“The step will not only facilitate and ease travel of Indian nationals, but will further intensify people-to-people links,” the joint statement said. Both leaders reiterated that strong people-to-people ties remain a key pillar of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
The two sides welcomed the growing movement of students, researchers, skilled professionals, artists and tourists between the two countries. They also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to Germany’s economy, innovation and cultural life. Emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in areas such as education, research, vocational training, culture and youth exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.
Education and skills were among the key areas discussed during the talks. The leaders noted the increasing number of Indian students in Germany, the growth of joint and dual degree programmes, and closer collaboration between universities in both countries.
They also welcomed efforts to support the integration of Indian students and graduates into the German job market, along with stronger institutional linkages between Indian Institutes of Technology and German technical universities. Both sides agreed to work towards an Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also invited leading German universities to set up campuses in India under the New Education Policy.