Editorial

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s scheduled visit to India on 12–13 January marks a significant moment in the evolving relationship between New Delhi and Berlin. Coming at a time of global uncertainty—geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain realignments, and climate stress—the visit signals both countries’ intent to deepen a partnership that has moved well beyond traditional diplomacy.

Germany is India’s most important economic partner in the European Union, while India has emerged as a crucial pillar of Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy. The timing of Chancellor Merz’s visit is therefore critical. Europe is reassessing its dependencies, particularly in energy, technology, and manufacturing, while India is positioning itself as a trusted, stable, and scalable partner in a multipolar world. This convergence of interests gives the visit strategic depth.

Trade and investment are expected to dominate discussions. German companies already have a strong footprint in India, especially in automobiles, engineering, chemicals, and green technologies. With India pushing “Make in India” and production-linked incentive schemes, and Germany seeking to diversify manufacturing bases away from geopolitical risk zones, there is clear scope for mutually beneficial collaboration. The challenge lies in translating intent into faster approvals, regulatory clarity, and skill mobility—areas where businesses on both sides seek concrete progress.

Another major pillar of the visit is likely to be green transition and climate cooperation. Germany’s leadership in renewable energy, hydrogen technology, and sustainable urban planning aligns well with India’s ambitious climate targets. Cooperation in green hydrogen, grid modernisation, and climate finance could become defining outcomes of the visit, especially as both nations balance growth with sustainability.

Strategically, the visit also underscores shared democratic values and a common commitment to a rules-based international order. As global power equations shift, Germany increasingly sees India as a stabilising force in Asia, while India values Germany’s influence within the European Union. Enhanced coordination on global forums—from the G20 to multilateral climate and trade negotiations—could strengthen both voices.

However, expectations must remain realistic. Differences over trade standards, migration norms, and geopolitical alignments will persist. The success of Chancellor Merz’s visit will depend less on grand declarations and more on actionable roadmaps with clear timelines.

In essence, this visit is not merely ceremonial. It reflects a maturing India-Germany relationship rooted in economic pragmatism, strategic trust, and shared global responsibilities. If leveraged well, it can lay the foundation for a partnership that is not only bilateral in impact, but global in relevance.

The publication of the draft electoral roll in Uttar Pradesh, listing over 12.5 crore voters while recording an unusually high 2.89 crore deletions, has triggered serious political and civic concern. In a state that plays a decisive role in India’s parliamentary democracy, such large-scale deletions are not a routine administrative update; they represent a moment that tests the credibility, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral process itself.

Electoral roll revision is, in principle, a necessary democratic exercise. Removal of duplicate entries, names of deceased voters, and migrants who have permanently relocated helps maintain the integrity of elections. However, the sheer scale of deletions in Uttar Pradesh raises legitimate questions about methodology, verification, and oversight. When nearly one in four entries is flagged for deletion, the process must withstand intense public and institutional scrutiny.

The primary concern is voter disenfranchisement. Uttar Pradesh has a highly mobile population, marked by seasonal migration, urban drift, and socio-economic vulnerability. Poor documentation, lack of digital access, or absence during verification drives can disproportionately affect the marginalised—migrant workers, rural poor, minorities, women, and first-time voters. If deletions occur without adequate notice, grievance redressal, and time for correction, the foundational democratic right to vote risks being compromised.

Equally important is the issue of transparency. The Election Commission of India has repeatedly emphasised the neutrality and robustness of electoral roll revisions. In this case, clarity is required on the grounds for deletions, the verification process followed, and the safeguards in place to prevent arbitrary exclusions. Public confidence in elections depends not just on fairness, but on the visible assurance of fairness.

Political reactions to the deletions have been sharp, reflecting broader anxieties ahead of crucial electoral contests. While allegations of manipulation must be examined with evidence and restraint, dismissing concerns as routine politics would be a mistake. Democracy thrives on trust, and trust is sustained through openness, dialogue, and corrective mechanisms.

At the same time, responsibility does not lie with election authorities alone. Political parties and civil society must actively assist voters in checking their names, filing claims, and raising objections within stipulated timelines. Voter awareness campaigns, especially in rural and urban-poor areas, are essential to ensure that genuine voters are not excluded due to procedural gaps.

Ultimately, the draft roll is not the final word. It is an opportunity—indeed, an obligation—for course correction. How the Election Commission responds to objections, restores legitimate names, and communicates with citizens will determine whether this exercise strengthens or weakens democratic faith. In a democracy as large and complex as India’s, the right to vote must not become collateral damage of administrative efficiency.

• SAS Kirmani