A partner of choice in a moment of need: the German Chancellor kicking off his two-day trip to India, his first to an Asian nation since taking office. Both Friedrich Merz and his host, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of growing economic ties, with the German chancellor also expressing hope of an expedited trade deal between the EU and India. With Germany facing an acute shortage of skilled workers, and many young Indians disenchanted about career prospects at home or in