Berlin, October 23, 2025:
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal arrived in the German capital today for a crucial diplomatic and business mission aimed at strengthening India-Germany economic relations. The visit, part of India’s expanding engagement with Europe, includes high-level meetings with top German CEOs, trade chambers, and government officials.
“Germany has always been one of India’s strongest partners in technology and industrial innovation,” said Goyal upon arrival. “Our goal is to move from being just trade partners to being co-creators of sustainable growth.”
🔹 Agenda: From Trade Talks to Technology Transfer
According to sources in the Ministry of Commerce, Goyal’s three-day Berlin schedule includes bilateral talks with the German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, along with closed-door sessions with leaders of major corporations such as Siemens, BMW, Volkswagen, Bosch, and BASF.
Key topics on the agenda:
Expanding bilateral trade, currently valued at over €30 billion.
Technology transfer in renewable energy and semiconductors.
Investment opportunities under Make in India 2.0.
Collaborations in AI, green hydrogen, and circular economy projects.
Officials say the visit may also reignite momentum for the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which both sides are keen to finalize in 2026.
“The new world economy demands trusted, resilient partners — and India offers that reliability,” remarked a German Chamber of Commerce spokesperson.
🔹 Why Germany Matters
Germany is Europe’s largest economy and one of the top 10 investors in India. More than 1,800 German companies operate in the country, employing thousands of Indian professionals in sectors such as engineering, IT, automotive manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
The partnership has deep historical roots: the two nations signed their first Bilateral Investment Treaty in 1959. Now, amid global economic realignments, India is positioning itself as an alternative supply-chain hub — a strategy that appeals to German manufacturers seeking to diversify away from China.
“This visit isn’t just symbolic,” said Dr. Helmut Fischer, a Berlin-based economist. “Germany sees India as a strategic partner for sustainable growth and technology leadership.”
🔹 India’s Pitch: Green Energy & Manufacturing
India aims to attract over $20 billion in new foreign direct investment (FDI) in the next two years through green manufacturing initiatives, EV mobility projects, and AI-driven industrial innovation.
In Berlin, Goyal is expected to present a “New India Investment Pitch Book,” highlighting incentives for German companies to set up R&D centers in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
“We want to build not just trade but trust,” Goyal emphasized. “India is ready to become Europe’s most reliable industrial partner.”
🔹 A Step Toward Sustainable Growth
Germany’s focus on climate-neutral technologies aligns with India’s ambitious net-zero by 2070 goal. Joint projects in green hydrogen, solar panels, and battery storage are expected to dominate the talks.
Both sides are also discussing academic exchange programs to train young engineers in climate science and AI. The goal: create a pipeline of talent that serves both nations’ future industries.
🔹 Trade Snapshot
| Category | Value (2024) | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Trade | €30 billion | +12% YoY |
| Indian Exports (Textiles, Machinery, IT Services) | €9.8 billion | ↑ |
| German Exports (Automobiles, Chemicals, Renewables) | €20.2 billion | ↑ |
Source: Commerce Ministry Report 2025
🔹 German CEOs Welcome India’s Push
German industry leaders are enthusiastic about expanding into India’s fast-growing market.
“India’s talent pool and policy stability are unmatched in the Global South,” said Dr. Katrin Meier, CEO of a Berlin clean-tech startup. “We’re keen to invest in solar and battery tech partnerships.”
Reports suggest Germany may announce a €2 billion joint fund to support medium-sized companies entering the Indian market.
🔹 The Bigger Picture
This visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of deepening India’s partnership with Europe on technology and sustainable growth. Analysts see it as a strategic move to counter China’s economic influence in Europe.
“Goyal’s Berlin trip marks a new phase in India’s foreign trade policy — focused on innovation, not just exports,” said Dr. Mehul Desai, an international trade analyst based in Geneva.
🔹 Looking Ahead
If the Berlin meetings bear fruit, India could see a fresh inflow of technology investments and joint ventures in AI, EV mobility, and renewable energy. The visit also sets the tone for upcoming India-EU FTA negotiations, which may reshape trade rules for the next decade.
As Piyush Goyal told reporters before departing New Delhi:
“Our mission is clear — to make India a manufacturing and technology powerhouse that the world trusts.”
