Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz convened a high-level meeting with leading CEOs from both nations in Berlin on Wednesday, aiming to inject fresh momentum into the strategic economic partnership between India and Germany. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the Prime Minister's official visit, focused on enhancing collaboration across key sectors and addressing opportunities for mutual growth.
High-Level Dialogue with Industry Leaders
The meeting brought together prominent business figures to explore avenues for deepening economic engagement. From the German side, the delegation included CEOs from major corporations such as Siemens, Bayer, BASF, and Bosch. The Indian contingent featured leaders from top firms including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Infosys.
This interactive session provided a direct platform for industry captains to present their perspectives on the business landscape and suggest measures to reduce trade barriers. The dialogue underscored the shared commitment to leveraging the complementary strengths of the two economies. Chancellor Merz emphasized Germany's keen interest in expanding its footprint in India, recognizing the nation's growing importance as a manufacturing hub and a vast consumer market.
Focus on Strategic Sectors and Innovation
Key areas of discussion during the CEO meet spanned several high-potential sectors. Renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable technologies emerged as primary themes, aligning with both nations' climate goals. There was significant emphasis on collaboration in advanced manufacturing, particularly in areas like automotive engineering, chemicals, and industrial machinery.
The talks also highlighted the critical role of innovation and digital transformation. Participants explored partnerships in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0 solutions. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's reform trajectory and its improved ease of doing business, inviting German firms to participate in flagship initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India). He pointed to sectors such as defense manufacturing, infrastructure development, and the digital economy as ripe for enhanced German investment and technology transfer.
Building on a Robust Economic Foundation
This high-level engagement builds upon an already substantial economic relationship. Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade exceeding 20 billion euros. Furthermore, Germany is a leading source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, with cumulative investments surpassing $13 billion, primarily in automotive, electrical equipment, and chemical industries.
The meeting is seen as a crucial step to not only consolidate these existing ties but also to chart a future-oriented course. Both leaders acknowledged the need to diversify the trade basket and foster greater collaboration in research and development. The outcomes are expected to pave the way for more joint ventures, technology partnerships, and skill development initiatives, creating jobs and driving innovation in both countries.
The CEO meet concluded on a positive note, with a mutual agreement to work through established institutional mechanisms to address specific business concerns and fast-track investment proposals. This proactive engagement at the highest political and corporate levels signals a strong political will to elevate the India-Germany economic partnership to new heights, making it a defining relationship for the 21st century.
