Markus Söder, the Minister President of Bavaria, faced an abrupt end to his trip to India on April 14, 2025, due to a gastrointestinal infection. Initially scheduled to travel from New Delhi to Karnataka, a region in southwest India that has been a partner to Bavaria for nine years, Söder's health issues forced him to remain in the capital while the rest of his delegation continued the journey under the leadership of Florian Hermann, head of the State Chancellery.
Söder had been in India since April 12, 2025, and had a packed agenda that included political discussions and cultural visits. On April 13, he toured significant sites such as the Sikh Temple Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, where he engaged in discussions with India's Science Minister Jitendra Singh and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. These meetings were part of his efforts to strengthen Bavarian-Indian cooperation and discuss the proposed Indian-European free trade zone, a topic he had coordinated with CDU leader Friedrich Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Despite his sudden illness, Söder managed to visit the 'Sunshine' children's aid project in a New Delhi slum on April 14, where he emphasized the importance of education for children born into poverty. "In slums, there is only poverty and no education. No child can decide where they are born. We all have immense luck and therefore have a duty to help others," he stated. The Bavarian government donated €10,000 to the project, which provides free education to children from impoverished neighborhoods. Many parents in India, where school attendance is not mandatory, often send their children to work instead of school. The 'Sunshine' initiative aims to break this cycle of poverty, and a former student shared with Söder that he now works as a translator.
Following his visit to the 'Sunshine' project, Söder was supposed to continue to Bangalore, known as India's Silicon Valley due to its booming tech industry and population of over 60 million. The Bavarian delegation planned to visit a market and a temple complex in Bangalore, where they were also set to sign an agreement aimed at deepening the partnership between Bavaria and Karnataka. This agreement is expected to enhance economic collaboration, as the trade volume between Bavaria and India currently stands at €4.4 billion, with Bavaria exporting machinery, automobiles, and chemicals to India while importing clothing and electronics in return.
However, Söder's condition left him unable to participate in these vital discussions. The exact cause of his gastrointestinal issues remains unclear, and it is uncertain when he will be able to return to Bavaria. As he recuperates in his hotel in New Delhi, Hermann has taken over the responsibilities of leading the Bavarian delegation.
Söder's trip was originally prompted by an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in June 2022, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as he was the first Bavarian Minister President to undertake such a visit since Edmund Stoiber.
Throughout his visit, Söder witnessed the stark contrasts that define India, a nation of over 1.4 billion people. While he toured modern facilities like the Madrassa auto supplier, which operates multiple locations in Bavaria and generates €26 billion annually, he also ventured into impoverished areas where families live in dire conditions. This juxtaposition of wealth and poverty is a hallmark of India, where about 20% of the population lacks access to basic sanitation, and half of urban residents reside in slums.
As India continues to emerge as a significant global player, attracting attention from leaders around the world, the Bavarian government recognizes the potential for increased collaboration. With plans to expand its foreign activities, Söder's administration aims to enhance its presence in countries like India, where economic growth is robust, often exceeding 6% annually, making it the fifth-largest economy worldwide.
Despite the challenges posed by his health, Söder's commitment to fostering international partnerships remains evident. His visit reflects Bavaria's broader strategy to engage with emerging markets, leveraging opportunities for trade and collaboration that could benefit both regions in the long term.
As the Bavarian delegation continues its activities in India, they will focus on building relationships that could pave the way for future cooperation in various sectors, including technology, education, and infrastructure. The partnership with Karnataka is particularly promising, given the state's reputation as a hub for innovation and development.
In conclusion, while Markus Söder's trip was cut short, the ongoing efforts of his delegation and the established ties between Bavaria and India signal a commitment to mutual growth and support in addressing the challenges faced by both regions.
