Your Excellency,
Chancellor Merz, business leaders of both countries, Namaskar.
I am very pleased to join the India-Germany CEOs Forum. This meeting is taking place at a very important time, when we are celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of India-Germany relations and the Silver Jubilee of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. That means our relationship carries the permanence of platinum and the shine of silver.
Friends,
The partnership between India and Germany is a seamless one, built on shared values and mutual trust. In every sector, there are mutually beneficial opportunities. The ongoing manufacturing cooperation between our MSMEs and Germany’s Mittelstand, the rapidly growing collaboration in IT and services, joint ventures and research collaborations in automotive, energy, machinery, and chemical sectors are giving rise to new technologies. And these strong linkages have directly benefited our trade, which has now crossed the mark of nearly 50 billion dollars.
Friends,
The world is changing rapidly, and we see how dependence on critical technologies and capital machinery is being weaponized today. On the auspicious occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary, we must draw inspiration from his thoughts and message. His message was clear: a strong nation is one that connects with the world with self-confidence, self-reliance, and responsibility. In today’s global context, this message is even more relevant. In line with this thinking, our shared responsibility is to strengthen trusted and resilient supply chains for the world, and in this effort, the partnership of reliable partners like India and Germany plays a decisive role.
Friends,
For his first Asia visit, Chancellor Merz chose India as the destination. This reflects India’s central role in Germany’s diversification strategy, and it is a clear signal of Germany’s trust in India. In line with this trust, today we have taken several important decisions. First, we have decided to make this seamless economic partnership limitless. That means, along with traditional economic sectors, strategic sectors will also see deeper cooperation. In defence, today we are exchanging a Joint Declaration of Intent. This will provide clear policy support to our companies for co-innovation and co-production in defence. New opportunities for cooperation will also open in the space sector. Second, we have agreed that trusted partnership should now take the form of a technology partnership. The world’s two major democratic economies will deepen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. We are mutual partners in semiconductors. Along with this, there are immense possibilities in power electronics, biotech, fintech, pharma, quantum, and cyber. Third, we all have complete clarity that the India-Germany partnership is not only mutually beneficial, but also better for the world. India is moving ahead to become a world leader in green hydrogen, solar, wind, and biofuel. For German companies, there are great opportunities in manufacturing solar cells, electrolyzers, batteries, and wind turbines. Together, we can develop solutions for the world ranging from e-mobility to food and health security. India has an all-inclusive vision for AI, and when Germany’s AI ecosystem connects with it, we can ensure a human-centric digital future.
Friends,
India’s talent pool is capable of advancing innovation and productivity in German industry. In recent years, especially in the high-tech sector, skill mobility has increased rapidly. We urge German companies to make full use of India’s talent, and further strengthen skill, innovation, and industrial linkages.
Friends,
In today’s challenging global environment, India is moving forward with over 8% growth. Behind this is not just one reason, but continuous and comprehensive reforms. The private sector is being promoted in every field, whether defence, space, mining, or nuclear energy. Compliance requirements are continuously being reduced, ease of doing business is improving. These efforts have made India today a symbol of growth and optimism for the world. The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is also soon going to be realized. This will open a new chapter for our trade, investment, and partnership. That means, the path is clear for you. I invite German precision and innovation to connect with India’s scale and speed. You can manufacture in India, take full advantage of domestic demand, and export without any obstacles.
Friends,
On behalf of the government, I assure you that India will advance cooperation with Germany with stable policies, mutual trust, and a long-term vision. My message in short is this: India is ready, willing, and able. Let us innovate, invest, and grow together. Let us prepare sustainable solutions not only for India and Germany, but for the global future.
Danke schön.
Thank you very much.
