Photo Credit: x.com/AmbAckermann/Wionnews.com
German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, has declared October 2024 as “Germany ka Mahotsav,” or the Festival of Germany, in New Delhi, highlighting a month filled with significant diplomatic and economic events between the two nations.
This October marks a milestone for Indo-German cooperation, with several high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
German Chancellor’s Visit for Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC)
One of the main highlights of the month is the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to India for the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC). Held every two years, the IGC alternates between New Delhi and Berlin and serves as a platform for top officials from both countries to discuss and solidify bilateral agreements.
This year’s meeting will be chaired by Chancellor Scholz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the participation of key cabinet ministers from both sides.
German Business Leaders to Attend Asia-Pacific Conference
In addition to the IGC, New Delhi will host the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024). Top CEOs from Germany are expected to travel to India, the world’s fifth-largest economy, to explore further investment opportunities.
This conference underscores the growing interest of German businesses in India’s expanding market.
High-Level Engagements Leading Up to October
October’s diplomatic activity follows a series of high-level engagements between the two countries.
Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently visited Berlin for talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Meanwhile, German Security and Foreign Policy Advisor Jens Plötner visited India to meet with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Strengthening Defence Ties
Defence cooperation remains a key area of focus between the two countries. German vessels are expected to make port calls in Goa soon, signaling closer military collaboration.
On October 8, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephonic discussion with his German counterpart, Boris Pistorius, ahead of the latter’s visit for the IGC. “We have proven our commitment to India as a military strategic partner, which has grown over the last couple of months,” said Ambassador Ackermann, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming bilateral meeting between the two defence ministers. He noted that military and defence policy will be significant topics on the agenda at the IGC.
German Air Force’s Participation in India’s Tarang Shakti Exercises
In a notable development, the German Air Force took part in India’s Tarang Shakti exercises in Tamil Nadu this August, marking a first for Berlin. The German delegation was led by Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, who piloted a Eurofighter Typhoon to the Sulur Air Force Base.
Germany’s collaboration with India also extends to naval capabilities, as German firm ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders compete in a tender to construct submarines for the Indian Navy.
Focus on Sustainability and Green Energy
Beyond defence, sustainability continues to play a crucial role in Indo-German relations. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz announced the Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development in May 2022, focusing on cooperation in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
Germany was the partner country at the Re-Invest event in Gujarat in August 2024, India’s largest renewable energy sector gathering, further solidifying its role in India’s green energy transition.
