Photo Credit: www.bosch-presse.de
German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz spent the second day of his official visit to India in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 13 January, holding engagements focused on business, technology and research collaboration as part of efforts to strengthen the India–Germany strategic partnership.
The German Federal Chancellor arrived in the Karnataka capital from Ahmedabad, where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior officials from both countries on Monday. He was received at Kempegowda International Airport by Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries M B Patil, who welcomed him with a small sandalwood elephant replica.
According to the Karnataka government, the German Federal Chancellor’s Bengaluru programme was centred on “engagements focusing on business and technological collaboration between India and Germany”.
Bosch showcases hydrogen truck and AI security platform
At the Bosch campus in Adugodi, the German Federal Chancellor and his delegation were welcomed by Guruprasad Mudlapur, President of Bosch India and Managing Director of Bosch Limited, who briefed them on the company’s local manufacturing, R&D and innovation activities.
The delegation was shown a hydrogen-powered truck model featuring a fully integrated powertrain and telematics system. Bosch India, in collaboration with Bosch Germany, is advancing hydrogen technologies to support the transition towards zero-emission and sustainable mobility.
Bosch also presented its software capabilities, including AIShield, an artificial intelligence security solution designed to protect and ensure the reliability of AI systems. The company said AIShield is supported by more than 150 patents in AI security.
Bosch has been present in India since 1922 and currently employs around 38,000 associates. The Bosch Group in India reported consolidated revenues of about €4.13 billion in the 2024–25 business year, including €2.7 billion from third-party sales, with operations spanning mobility, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology.
“Our partnership with India is crucial,” says German Federal Chancellor
During his interaction at the Bosch campus, the German Federal Chancellor underlined India’s importance in Germany’s global technology and sustainability strategy.
“Our partnership with India is crucial for addressing global challenges in sustainability and technology,” the German Federal Chancellor said.
Discussions during the visit focused on automotive innovation, electric vehicles and clean energy solutions, with both countries exploring joint ventures and industrial cooperation to support the global transition to low-carbon mobility.
Visit to IISc highlights research collaboration
The German Federal Chancellor also visited the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), including the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), one of India’s premier research institutions.
Officials said the visit reflected growing emphasis on strengthening academic partnerships and collaboration between German and Indian universities and research centres to promote innovation and advanced technology development.
Bengaluru’s role in India–Germany ties
Bengaluru, widely known as India’s technology hub, hosts major facilities of German firms such as Siemens, Bosch and SAP. The city is also home to the German Consulate and the Max Mueller Bhavan, which promotes cultural exchange and educational cooperation.
Officials noted that the city’s strong innovation ecosystem makes it central to India–Germany cooperation in digital technologies, manufacturing and clean energy.
Security arrangements and departure
“The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and his delegation will visit various institutions in Bengaluru today and return from Bengaluru International Airport this evening,” the Karnataka government said in a statement.
The Bengaluru police imposed a no-drone order in parts of South and North Bengaluru as part of security measures during the German Federal Chancellor’s visit.
The German Federal Chancellor is scheduled to depart for Germany later on Tuesday afternoon, concluding his two-day India tour aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, technology transfer, research, climate action and digital transformation.
