India and Germany have taken another step in strengthening their bilateral relationship with an agreement on gratis visas for short-term school and college visits. The new arrangement, effective from September 1, 2025, is designed to promote student exchanges and deepen educational cooperation between the two countries.

The announcement followed the visit of German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul to India, where he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Their discussions reviewed the full scope of the Strategic Partnership and underlined progress in trade, investment, defence, security, science, technology, and sustainable development.

Both countries welcomed the growing cooperation, especially in the fields of education and people-to-people exchanges. "The two sides agreed on gratis visas for short-term school and college visits between our countries to further promote student exchanges and education ties," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.

The talks also addressed major global issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East, and the importance of closer cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries also agreed to set up a new bilateral consultation mechanism to respond to these challenges.

India’s strong support for Germany in its fight against terrorism was also stressed, with both sides reaffirming their solidarity.

During his stay in New Delhi, Mr. Wadephul met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. These meetings, joined by a high-level business delegation, focused on enhancing economic cooperation between India and Germany. He later travelled to Bengaluru, where he met German companies and explored collaboration in green technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and space.

The visit also marked the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, a relationship built on mutual trust, democratic values, and a shared commitment to global stability and sustainable development.