Image Credit: www.pmindia.gov.in
India’s Prime Minister highlights shared growth opportunities at the News9 Global Summit in Stuttgart, Germany. India-Germany Partnership: A Shared Vision for Progress Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a deeper partnership between India and Germany during his virtual address at the News9 Global Summit held in Stuttgart, Germany, on Friday, 22 November.
Speaking to an audience of German political leaders, business representatives, and Indian Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Modi emphasized the need for collaboration in areas like digitization, manufacturing, and sustainable growth. “A strong foundation has been created in India on which the structure of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) will be built. And Germany will be a reliable partner in this journey,” Modi said in Hindi.
The event, themed “India-Germany: A Roadmap for Sustainable Growth,” marked a significant step in enhancing bilateral ties as the two nations celebrate the 25th anniversary of their strategic partnership in 2024. Modi described the partnership as one rooted in both ancient cultural connections and modern economic synergies.
Economic Synergies: Trade, Investment, and Opportunities
India and Germany have seen significant economic collaboration, with over 1,800 German companies operating in India and bilateral trade currently valued at $34 billion. Modi invited German businesses to deepen their engagement with India, highlighting the country’s business-friendly environment and reform-driven policies.
“Today, many German companies are active in India. I invite these companies to increase their investments. There are many such German companies that have not made a base in India. I invite them too to come to India,” Modi said.
Modi cited India’s simplified tax system, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and strengthened banking sector as key factors making the country an attractive destination for foreign investment. “A progressive and stable policy-making environment was made in the country so that businesses can move forward,” he added.
He also referred to Germany’s recent “Focus on India” document and its first India-specific skilled labor strategy as examples of the growing recognition of India’s economic and strategic importance globally.
“Make in India” and Manufacturing Excellence
Modi highlighted India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub and drew parallels with Germany’s engineering expertise. Under the “Make in India” initiative, India has become the world’s largest producer of two-wheelers and a leader in electronics manufacturing. The country is also the second-largest producer of steel and cement and is making rapid advancements in the semiconductor sector.
“India’s dynamism meeting Germany’s precision and engineering—this should be the effort of all of us,” Modi said, pitching the country as a partner for global manufacturers. India’s production-linked incentives for industries, infrastructure improvements, and cost reductions in logistics were cited as transformative measures driving this manufacturing growth. Modi emphasized, “India is poised to become a global semiconductor powerhouse with policies aimed at fostering innovation and self-reliance.”
People-to-People Connections and Historical Links
The Prime Minister underscored the cultural and educational ties between India and Germany, noting that approximately 300,000 Indians live in Germany and 50,000 Indian students are enrolled in German universities. “These students represent the largest cohort of foreign students in Germany, showcasing the strong educational link between our nations,” he added.
Modi also reflected on historical connections, such as the role of German merchants in printing the first Tamil and Telugu books in Europe and the contributions of German scholars to Sanskrit grammar.
Germany’s Commitment to India’s Growth
Modi pointed to Germany’s active engagement in India’s progress, highlighting the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Businesses (APK 2024) held in Delhi after 12 years. “The whole world is acknowledging India’s strategic importance today,” he said.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who spoke before Modi’s address, reinforced India’s growing role on the global stage. “India today has become the go-to destination for every multinational, every rising company, and every startup,” Scindia said. He added, “There is not a single country across the world where Indian products or brands have not etched their quality and capability. Our supply chains today extend to every continent.”
A Shared Responsibility for Global Prosperity
Concluding his address, Modi invited Germany and other global partners to join India in building a prosperous future for the world. “As an ancient civilization, India has always welcomed people from around the world and made them a part of our journey. I invite you to be associates in creating a prosperous future for the world,” he said.
The summit, organized by TV9 Network in collaboration with VfB Stuttgart and Baden-Württemberg, showcased the breadth of Indo-German collaboration. Modi lauded TV9 for fostering connections between the two nations, stating, “In today’s information era, this platform will help the people of India better understand Germany and its people.”
Looking Ahead: A Roadmap for Strategic Growth
With India positioned as the world’s fastest-growing large economy, Modi emphasized that partnerships like the Indo-German collaboration are essential for shared global progress.
“India’s reforms, coupled with Germany’s engineering expertise and innovation, can pave the way for sustainable growth,” he concluded. The summit underscored the shared vision of the two nations to deepen ties and tackle global challenges through mutual cooperation.
