The year 2026 has been marked by significant diplomatic movement, beginning with Chancellor Merz's official visit to India in January. This was followed by a visit from the Indian Defence Minister in April, which resulted in the signing of a ten-year Roadmap for Defence Industrial Partnership. These interactions are a prelude to the Eighth India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations, where heads of government and ministers will meet later this year to deepen strategic cooperation.

Economic relations remain a cornerstone of the partnership, with Germany serving as India’s largest trading partner within the European Union. Bilateral trade currently exceeds €52.3 billion, supported by over 2,000 German companies active in India. Furthermore, the recent conclusion of negotiations for the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement is expected to significantly expand these figures, while Germany has committed €1.24 billion to support renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives.

Cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections provide the essential "human bridge" between the two civilizations. Currently, over 60,000 Indian students are enrolled in German universities, forming the largest Indian student community in Europe. Recent initiatives, such as visa-free transit for Indian citizens and the installation of a Buddhist stupa at the Humboldt Forum in Berlin, demonstrate a mutual commitment to enhancing accessibility and heritage recognition.

In conclusion, the forum underscored that the Indo-German partnership remains a resilient anchor for a rules-based international system amidst global uncertainty. As both nations look toward the implementation of new trade and sustainability agreements, their shared history provides a stable foundation for future growth. Ultimately, this enduring friendship continues to evolve into a comprehensive global partnership dedicated to stability and mutual progress.

Forum on Cultural Diplomacy in the European Union

Potsdam, Germany | 18–19 June 2026

Speaker:
Mr. Sandeep Chakravorty
Minister (Political), Embassy of India to the Federal Republic of Germany

"Thank you so much, Mark, for the wonderful introduction.

First of all, I would like to apologize for my delay. Although I left well in advance, the traffic was exceptionally heavy, and unfortunately I could not arrive on time. Nevertheless, I am very pleased to be here.

When Vive invited me to speak, he asked me to address India–EU and India–Germany relations. Today, however, I will focus primarily on India–Germany relations, as matters relating to the European Union are generally handled by our Mission in Brussels. Therefore, my remarks will reflect my own perspective on the bilateral relationship between India and Germany.

Friends,

Good afternoon.

It is my distinct privilege to address this forum at a moment that could hardly be more significant for India–Germany relations.

As we gather here in Potsdam—a city steeped in history—we are witnessing a landmark year in bilateral engagement between India and Germany.

The year 2026 began with Chancellor Merz's official visit to India in January. This was followed by the visit of our Defence Minister to Germany in April, as well as the visit of our Foreign Secretary for the Foreign Office Consultations, also held in April.

These have been the major high-level engagements so far this year.

Looking ahead, we are preparing for the Eighth India–Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC), the highest-level bilateral mechanism that India maintains with any partner country.

During these consultations, our Prime Minister and the German Chancellor will meet together with several ministers from both governments.

This year, Germany will host the consultations, meaning our Prime Minister and ministerial delegation will travel here. Although the exact dates have not yet been finalized, the meeting is expected to take place toward the end of this year.

Turning to our strategic partnership, we are pleased to celebrate two important milestones.

First, India and Germany have now completed 25 years of Strategic Partnership.

Second, this year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

Diplomatic relations were established in 1951, and throughout this anniversary year we have organized numerous commemorative events, including the unveiling of a special anniversary logo.

The anticipated visit of our Prime Minister later this year makes these celebrations even more meaningful.

Allow me to briefly highlight some of the major outcomes of Chancellor Merz's visit to India.

First, it is worth noting that this was his first official visit to any Asian country.

We were naturally delighted that India was chosen as his first destination in Asia.

We regard this not only as recognition of India's growing importance but also as a reflection of Germany's view of India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

During the visit, Chancellor Merz and our Prime Minister held extensive discussions in Ahmedabad, after which the Chancellor travelled to Bengaluru.

A total of 27 announcements and deliverables were finalized during the visit, including eight major initiatives covering a broad range of sectors.

One particularly important outcome concerned people-to-people relations.

Chancellor Merz announced visa-free transit access for Indian citizens travelling through Germany.

Although this may appear to be a relatively small measure, it will significantly benefit Indian travellers by making Germany an even more attractive transit hub.

This initiative also strengthens the competitiveness of German airlines, making it a genuine win-win outcome for both countries.

As I mentioned earlier, our Defence Minister visited Germany in April.

I accompanied him throughout the visit, which included Munich, Berlin and Kiel before returning to India.

During the visit, he met with Minister Pistorius, and a wide range of defence-related issues were discussed.

Most importantly, we regard the visit as the beginning of a new phase in defence-industrial cooperation.

A Roadmap for Defence Industrial Partnership covering the next ten years was signed and exchanged during the visit.

Turning now to economic relations, Germany remains India's largest trading partner within the European Union.

Indeed, if we consider the European Union as a whole, it is India's largest trading partner globally, with Germany accounting for approximately 25–26% of India's total trade with the EU.

More than 2,000 German companies are currently active in India.

Some have maintained a presence in India for over a century, while a few have been operating there for nearly 150 years.

Bilateral trade currently exceeds €52.3 billion and continues to grow.

We are awaiting the latest trade figures, which we expect will demonstrate further expansion.

Our principal areas of cooperation include information technology, the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

Another historic milestone followed Chancellor Merz's visit in January 2026: the conclusion of negotiations on the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement during the 16th India–EU Summit.

The agreement is currently undergoing the final stages of ratification within the European Union, and we hope the process will be completed before the end of this year.

Once implemented, it is expected to significantly increase trade between India and the European Union.

As President Ursula von der Leyen aptly described it, this is "the mother of all trade deals."

Germany has also committed €1.24 billion in new funding under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership.

These resources will support renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric mobility and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.

Another important achievement was the signing of a Green Ammonia Offtake Agreement between AM Green and Uniper Global Commodities for up to 500,000 tonnes annually, demonstrating both countries' shared ambition to expand industrial-scale cooperation in green hydrogen.

Turning now to cultural diplomacy and soft power, I would argue that culture is not merely an afterthought of statecraft between India and Germany—it is one of its foundations.

Rabindranath Tagore, one of India's greatest literary figures and a Nobel Laureate, visited Germany three times—in 1921, 1926 and 1930—helping to build lasting literary and philosophical bridges between our two civilizations.

Today, more than 60,000 Indian students are studying across Germany.

This represents the largest community of Indian students anywhere in Europe.

These young people continue to strengthen the human connections between our countries.

Another excellent symbol of our cultural relationship is the installation of an authentic replica of a Buddhist stupa just outside the Humboldt Forum in Berlin.

India provided the original specifications for the monument, and Germany generously installed it in such a prominent public location.

We are deeply grateful for this gesture.

In just two days' time we will celebrate the International Day of Yoga.

Yoga has become another powerful bridge connecting India and Germany.

I would therefore like to extend an open invitation to all of you.

Please join us on 21 June at 11:00 a.m., just outside the Brandenburg Gate, for our International Day of Yoga celebrations.

We would be delighted to welcome you there.

Beyond our bilateral relationship, India and Germany cooperate closely on many global issues.

Both countries remain firmly committed to multilateralism, United Nations reform, and work together within the G4 as well as initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

We also cooperate closely on climate change, sustainable development and global cyber governance.

At a time when the international order faces increasing fragmentation, economic uncertainty and multiple geopolitical disruptions, India and Germany continue to support a rules-based international system.

Our partnership is not only enduring but continues to grow stronger.

Earlier this year, at the Munich Security Conference, our External Affairs Minister quoted a remark that I believe captures this spirit perfectly:

"We still have an order. It is messy. It is imperfect. It has a great deal of room for improvement. But it is still there."

That is precisely the spirit we should bring to this forum—not merely to lament the imperfections of today's world, but actively to shape the world we wish to build.

Finally, ladies and gentlemen, let me thank the organizers for inviting me to participate in this forum.

It has been a wonderful opportunity to present India's strengths, discuss our relationship with Germany, and hopefully begin many more conversations in the future.

India and Germany have been close friends for the past 75 years.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend the friendship of India to all of you for the years ahead.

Thank you very much."

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