India and Germany have solidified their strategic partnership with a series of agreements spanning defence, technology, energy, and human resources during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India. The two nations concluded 19 agreements and announced several measures to deepen engagement across strategic, economic, and people-to-people pillars, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations.
A cornerstone of the agreements is the Joint Declaration of Intent to boost bilateral defence industrial cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of this declaration at the India-Germany CEOs Forum, stating, “This will provide clear policy support to our companies for co-innovation and co-production in defence. New opportunities for cooperation will also open up in the space sector.” This move is expected to foster innovation and strengthen the defence capabilities of both nations, potentially influencing global defence technology trends.
To bolster economic ties, India and Germany decided to establish a CEO Forum integrated into the Joint India-Germany Economic and Investment Committee. This forum aims to enhance business collaboration and investment opportunities between the two countries, fostering economic growth and technological advancement.
In the realm of critical and emerging technologies, the two countries signed multiple declarations of intent. These include a semiconductor ecosystem partnership, cooperation on critical minerals, and collaboration in telecommunications. These agreements are poised to drive technological innovation and secure supply chains, ensuring both nations remain at the forefront of technological progress.
Energy and sustainability were major focus areas, with significant agreements signed to promote green technologies. An offtake agreement was concluded between India’s AM Green and Germany’s Uniper Global Commodities for green ammonia. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board and the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water Industries (DVGW) to cooperate on renewable energy. These initiatives underscore the commitment to sustainable development and energy security.
Education, skilling, and mobility also saw notable advancements. A higher education roadmap was adopted, and agreements were concluded to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Renewable Energy at the National Skill Training Institute in Hyderabad. Furthermore, Germany announced visa-free transit for Indian passport holders transiting through the country, facilitating greater people-to-people exchange and cultural understanding.
The two sides agreed to set up a Track 1.5 Foreign Policy and Security Dialogue and a bilateral dialogue mechanism focused on the Indo-Pacific, reflecting their shared commitment to regional stability and security. Germany also committed an additional 1.24 billion euros under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) for projects in renewable energy, green hydrogen, the PM e-Bus Sewa programme, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure. This follows an earlier commitment of 10 billion euros under the partnership for 2030, with around 5 billion euros already utilised or earmarked for projects since 2022.
The establishment of a battery storage working group under the India-Germany Platform for Investments in Renewable Energy Worldwide further highlights the collaborative efforts to advance renewable energy technologies and infrastructure.
These agreements and initiatives not only deepen the India-Germany partnership but also set a precedent for international cooperation in defence, technology, and sustainable development. As both nations continue to innovate and collaborate, they are poised to shape the future of global defence technology, energy solutions, and economic growth.