Prime Minister Narendra Modi transformed a diplomatic platform into a compelling business proposition, directly appealing to top German corporate leaders to establish India as their primary global manufacturing center. The pitch was made during the India-Germany CEO Forum on January 12, 2026, where he positioned India as the ideal solution for companies navigating shifting global supply chains.
Beyond Traditional Ties: A New Partnership Blueprint
Addressing the forum, the Prime Minister described Germany as a trusted partner, but emphasized that the scope of collaboration is now expanding far beyond historical sectors. He outlined a forward-looking partnership set to deepen significantly in defence, semiconductors, space exploration, green energy, and critical technologies. Modi underscored that in a world where reliance on key technologies is increasingly being weaponized, reliable democracies like India and Germany must unite to construct secure and resilient supply chains.
He assured German investors of India's commitment through stable policies, a clear long-term vision, and comprehensive government support. The Prime Minister's message was clear: India is not merely seeking investment but is proposing a co-building relationship for the next global economic architecture.
India: The Confluence of Innovation, Scale, and Demand
Modi meticulously highlighted India's unique advantages as an investment destination. He pointed to the nation's rapid pace of economic reforms, substantially reduced compliance burdens, and robust economic growth, which together have made India a global symbol of optimism. His central pitch positioned India as the perfect hub where German innovation and engineering prowess can meet Indian scale, vast domestic demand, and unparalleled export access to other markets.
The invitation extended across future-focused industries. From the production of green hydrogen and advanced batteries to the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions and the utilization of India's deep pool of skilled talent, the Prime Minister presented a full-spectrum opportunity. He argued that this synergy is essential for building supply chains that are not only efficient but also trustworthy and democratic.
A Strategic Shift in Global Economic Diplomacy
The appeal at the CEO Forum marks a strategic evolution in India's economic diplomacy. It moves the conversation with a traditional partner like Germany from trade and investment to integrated manufacturing and shared technological sovereignty. By framing the partnership as essential for democratic resilience, Modi elevated the business proposition to a matter of strategic imperative.
The unambiguous call for German companies to manufacture, innovate, and expand from an Indian base reflects India's growing confidence as a destination for high-value, complex production. This initiative is poised to significantly alter the dynamics of Indo-German economic relations, potentially making India a central node in Germany's global industrial strategy for the coming decades.
