CSU Chief Markus Söder's trip to India, which began on April 12, 2025, was cut short due to a gastrointestinal infection. Invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Söder engaged in various political and cultural activities, showcasing Bavaria's interests in strengthening ties with India.
During his stay, Söder shared numerous moments on social media, including a memorable photo of him cooking in a Sikh temple kitchen, donning a turban and stirring a large pot. However, on April 14, it was announced that he had to abandon the remainder of his itinerary due to health concerns.
According to a spokesperson from the State Chancellery in New Delhi, Söder was unable to continue his planned travel program for health reasons. Originally, he was set to travel from New Delhi to the Bavarian partner province of Karnataka that evening, but instead remained at the hotel while his delegation continued under the leadership of State Chancellery Chief Florian Herrmann (CSU).
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Söder had initially expressed optimism about the trip, stating, "We have the great goal of strengthening contacts with India." He had coordinated with CDU Chief Friedrich Merz and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to advocate for a free trade zone between Europe and India.
On social media, Söder often referred to his culinary experiences with the hashtag #söderkocht, a nod to his affinity for food blogging. However, after news of his illness broke, the hashtag became a target for jokes, with many commenting on the irony of his situation. Prominent figures, including CDU's Schleswig-Holstein Education Minister Karin Prien, wished him a speedy recovery while joking about the potential effects of Indian street food.
While in India, Söder also visited the Humayun Mausoleum and a slum area, where he met with children attending the 'Sunshine Project,' an initiative supported by the Help Alliance of Lufthansa. This school project, which has been operating for over twenty years, aims to provide education to children from impoverished backgrounds. Söder announced that Bavaria would provide 10,000 euros to support the initiative, emphasizing the importance of education and opportunity for all children.
In addition to cultural engagements, Söder aimed to discuss economic ties, particularly in the defense sector. He noted that India expressed interest in purchasing German-made Taurus cruise missiles and submarines. After meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Söder remarked, "The Indians are interested in buying from us," highlighting the potential for increased arms exports.
As negotiations for a European-Indian free trade zone continue, Söder underscored the significance of this partnership for both economic and security interests. He stated that the guidelines for arms exports would need to be made more flexible to facilitate these discussions. The coalition agreement between the Union and SPD supports this direction, aiming to align arms exports with Germany's foreign, economic, and security policies.
Despite the setback of his illness, Söder's trip was initially seen as a vital step in fostering relationships with one of the world's largest markets, where economic growth reached 6.5 percent last year. This trip marked Söder's first significant international engagement of the year, underscoring his commitment to expanding Bavaria's global presence.
Following his health update, Söder shared on social media that he was recovering, stating, "#söderisst today only toast and drinks tea. Because yesterday it hit me pretty hard." He expressed gratitude for the well wishes he received and indicated his intention to return to Germany soon.
As of now, the delegation led by Florian Herrmann is expected to finalize agreements that would enhance the partnership between Bavaria and Karnataka, focusing on economic cooperation and cultural exchange. The delegation's return to Germany is scheduled for April 16, 2025, as they aim to solidify the connections made during this trip.
In conclusion, while Markus Söder's trip to India was marred by health issues, it highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties and cultural understanding between Bavaria and India. The discussions around a free trade zone and arms exports reflect the growing interest in collaboration between the two regions, paving the way for future partnerships.
