Germany announces visa-free transit for Indian passport holders| What it means ?
PTC News Desk: Germany has introduced a visa-free transit facility for Indian passport holders travelling through its airports — a move set to make international journeys smoother for Indians and further boost bilateral ties.
The announcement was included in the India–Germany joint statement released on Monday after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz concluded his official visit to India from January 12–13. This marked Merz’s first trip to India as well as his first visit to any Asian country since assuming office.
Simply put, the new rule means that Indians flying through German airports on their way to another destination will no longer have to obtain a transit visa. This will reduce paperwork and cut down on travel time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to Chancellor Merz for the decision, with the joint statement noting that the move “will not only facilitate and ease travel of Indian nationals, but will further intensify people-to-people links.” Both leaders reaffirmed that deepening human connections remains a crucial component of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
The two countries welcomed the increasing flow of students, researchers, professionals, artists and tourists between them, acknowledging the “important role of the Indian community in Germany’s economy, innovation ecosystem and cultural diversity.” They highlighted the need to enhance collaboration in education, research, vocational skill development, culture and youth exchanges to strengthen mutual understanding.
Education and skills were major points of focus in the discussions. The leaders noted the growing number of Indian students in Germany, the rise of joint and dual-degree programmes, and stronger cooperation between universities. They also appreciated efforts aimed at helping Indian students and graduates integrate into the German workforce, along with 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 Modi invited reputed German universities to set up campuses in India under the National Education Policy.
- With inputs from agencies
