As we enter 2025, much attention focuses on the disruptions and challenges that lie ahead on the world stage. In such a world, friends and allies become ever-more important. It is a privilege for me to see how strong the Indo-German relationship has grown. I am certain that this friendship will continue to flourish after the German elections in February.
2024 once again highlighted the manifold aspects of our close bilateral ties. In October, our cabinets came together in New Delhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz to charter the next chapter of our partnership – spanning from economic, scientific and technological exchange to defence cooperation. The visit of a German frigate to Goa underscored our commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific, and the Asia-Pacific Conference of German business chose to convene in Delhi, in a testament to the vast economic potential we see in India.
I am delighted that the interest in Germany is ever-increasing, evidenced by the growing demand of German language classes across India, and, later this month, at the wonderful Kolkata International Book Fair, where Germany will for the first time ever be the focal theme country, and have the opportunity to present itself in all its colourful and diverse facets. To me, the strong linkages between our two countries are best encapsulated in the people-to-people contacts. Indian students are now the largest group of foreign students in Germany; and the average salary of an Indian citizen working in Germany is significantly higher than the average German salary. This really speaks to the success story of the Indian diaspora in Germany.
I look forward to continuing to build on this strong foundation together with our Indian partners in 2025.
