Germany announces a visa-free transit facility for Indian passport holders travelling through German airports, a move expected to significantly simplify international travel for Indian nationals and further strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Germany.
The decision was confirmed in the India–Germany joint statement issued on Monday following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India from January 12 to 13. This marked Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India and his inaugural visit to Asia since assuming office.
Under the new arrangement, Indian travellers transiting through German airports to onward international destinations will no longer be required to obtain a separate transit visa. The measure is expected to make journeys more seamless by reducing paperwork and processing time.
The joint statement noted that the initiative “will not only facilitate and ease travel of Indian nationals, but will further intensify people-to-people links,” with both leaders reaffirming that strong interpersonal connections form a key pillar of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
Both sides welcomed the growing exchange of students, researchers, skilled professionals, artists and tourists, while recognising the significant contribution of the Indian community to Germany’s economy, innovation ecosystem and cultural life. They also underlined the importance of expanding cooperation in education, research, vocational training, culture and youth exchanges to deepen mutual understanding.
Education and skills development featured prominently in the discussions. The leaders highlighted the increasing number of Indian students in Germany, the growth of joint and dual degree programmes, and enhanced collaboration between higher education institutions. They welcomed initiatives supporting the integration of Indian students and graduates into the German job market, as well as institutional partnerships between Indian Institutes of Technology and German technical universities.
Both countries agreed to develop an Indo-German Comprehensive Roadmap on Higher Education, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited leading German universities to establish campuses in India under the New Education Policy.
