India and Germany’s expanding economic partnership is expected to gain fresh momentum from LogiMAT India 2026, with the mega logistics exhibition projected to catalyse more than 15 per cent — or about $7.5 billion — in bilateral logistics and investment growth over the next three years, according to the German Engineering Federation (VDMA).
The outlook comes as bilateral trade between the two countries crossed the $50 billion milestone in 2024–25, highlighting the growing scale of cooperation in logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology and industrial investment.
Logistics partnership entering a “new era”
Emphasising Germany’s strategic importance for India, Rajesh Nath, Managing Director of VDMA India, said the relationship in logistics and technology is poised for rapid acceleration.
“Germany is India’s largest trading partner in the European Union, and our logistics and technology partnership is entering a new era. Platforms like LogiMAT India can catalyse over 15 per cent ($7.5 billion) of bilateral logistics and investment growth in the next three years,” Nath said in a statement.
He added that India’s ongoing policy reforms, digitalisation drive and infrastructure push are creating favourable conditions for deeper industrial integration.
“We anticipate accelerated collaboration in logistics and manufacturing, as the strong German presence at LogiMAT India 2026 will further drive innovation and investment in the sector,” he said.
VDMA, Europe’s largest industrial association, represents engineering and manufacturing companies across multiple sectors and plays a key role in facilitating technology exchange and industrial partnerships between Germany and India.
LogiMAT India 2026 to bring 43 German companies to Mumbai
As India and Germany recalibrate their trade and investment priorities, LogiMAT India 2026 — described as the world’s largest logistics trade show in India — will bring together 43 German companies, along with leading innovators from across the global logistics and supply-chain ecosystem.
Organised by Messe Stuttgart India, the three-day exhibition will be held from February 5 to 7, 2026, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. The event is expected to serve as a major networking and deal-making platform for companies seeking to expand operations, explore new markets and strengthen their presence in India’s fast-growing logistics sector.
Exhibition to spotlight next-generation logistics technologies
The exhibition will feature a wide range of emerging technologies and solutions, including automation and robotics, advanced warehousing systems, multimodal logistics integration, ESG-focused supply-chain practices, smart packaging, and AI-driven logistics planning and management.
Industry participants say these technologies are increasingly critical as India seeks to modernise its supply-chain infrastructure to support manufacturing growth, e-commerce expansion and export competitiveness.
Trade and investment ties continue to deepen
Germany remains central to India’s European economic engagement, accounting for more than 25 per cent of India’s total trade with the EU. In 2024–25, India exported goods worth $10.5 billion to Germany, while imports reached $19 billion, driven largely by machinery, electrical equipment and precision instruments.
Germany is also among India’s top ten global trading partners and ranks as the ninth-largest foreign investor, with cumulative foreign direct investment exceeding $15 billion since 2000.
At a broader level, the European Union is India’s largest trading partner for goods, with bilateral trade valued at $136.53 billion in 2024–25, representing around 17 per cent of India’s total exports.
Policy momentum from recent logistics agreements
The logistics partnership has gained additional momentum following two landmark agreements signed during the recent visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, aimed at strengthening cooperation in postal services, express delivery and integrated logistics infrastructure.
Analysts note that these agreements, combined with India’s government-led push for digitalisation and logistics sector reforms, are expected to improve supply-chain efficiency, lower transaction costs and encourage greater participation by German technology providers in India’s manufacturing and industrial ecosystem.
“Transformative phase” for Indo-German partnership: Messe Stuttgart India
Gaurav Sood, CEO and Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart India, said the exhibition reflects a deeper shift in the nature of Indo-German economic ties.
“The Indo-German partnership is entering a transformative phase, and nowhere is this more visible than at LogiMAT India 2026,” Sood said.
With strong institutional backing, rising trade volumes and growing interest from global logistics technology players, industry leaders view LogiMAT India 2026 as more than a trade exhibition — but as a strategic platform capable of reshaping collaboration between the two economies over the coming decade.
(With inputs from agencies.)
