Foundational Pillars of the Relationship
- India and Germany have maintained a Strategic Partnership since May 2000.
- Germany was India’s 12th largest trading partner during 2023–24.
- Bilateral trade has grown steadily, although the trade balance favours Germany.
- Germany is India’s 9th largest foreign investor, with US$ 14.5 billion FDI since 2000.
- The India–Germany DTAA (1991) strengthened investment and reduced double taxation.
- Cultural ties extend across literature, music, films, yoga, Ayurveda, and academia.
- Rabindranath Tagore’s visits in 1921, 1926, and 1930 built early intellectual links.
- Around 2.46 lakh Indian-origin people live in Germany as of December 2023.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Energy and Climate
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- Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF) promotes renewable and clean energy cooperation.
- A Green Hydrogen Task Force was created through a 2022 Joint Declaration.
- Germany was invited to join the Global Biofuels Alliance (2023).
- Development and Infrastructure
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- Germany provides technical and financial assistance in energy, environment, and urban development.
- Total cooperation reached €24 billion by the end of 2023.
- Siemens supports railway modernisation and freight capacity expansion in India.
- Science, Education and Mobility
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- 50 years of S&T cooperation are being celebrated in 2024.
- The Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (2022) facilitates legal migration.
- Social Security Agreement (2017) protects posted workers’ pension and contributions.
- 49,483 Indian students study in Germany, doubling in four years.
- Defence and Security
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- Bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement (2006) guides military ties.
- Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement (2019) promotes joint production.
- Naval PASSEX exercises and Ex TARANG SHAKTI-1 air exercise (2024) enhanced interoperability.
Political and Institutional Framework
- Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) have been held seven times since 2011.
- Leaders meet regularly during G7 and G20 summits, including Apulia 2024.
- Foreign Office Consultations, S&T Committee, and High Defence Committee guide engagement.
- Both countries cooperate in G20, UN, and climate negotiations.
- India and Germany support UN Security Council reform through the G4 grouping.
Recent Strategic Developments
- Cooperation is expanding into AI, digital technologies, health, manufacturing, and agriculture.
- Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) was launched during the 6th IGC.
- German business engagement deepened through APK 2024 and RE-INVEST 2024.
- Security MoU (2015) and Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty support counter-terror cooperation.
