India and Germany have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on telecommunications cooperation, formalising a new framework to expand bilateral engagement in telecom services, digital infrastructure and information and communication technologies (ICT).
The declaration was signed during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India from January 12 to 13 and was listed among the key outcomes of his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The agreement was signed by Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom), on behalf of the Government of India, and Dr Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, representing the Government of Germany. It was concluded between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation.
Framework for structured telecom cooperation
According to the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Telecommunications, the JDI is intended to create a structured mechanism for sustained engagement in telecommunications and emerging digital technologies.
The declaration provides for regular consultations between the two sides, annual high-level meetings, and the formation of dedicated working groups with participation from government departments, industry representatives, academic institutions and research organisations.
Officials said the framework is designed to ensure continuity in dialogue and implementation, rather than limiting cooperation to ad-hoc initiatives.
Focus on policy, manufacturing and future technologies
Under the agreement, India and Germany will collaborate on the exchange of information and best practices, development of policy and regulatory frameworks, and expansion of telecom and ICT manufacturing ecosystems.
The two sides have also committed to working together on emerging and future technologies, including next-generation digital networks and advanced communication systems, and to identify measures to improve the ease of doing business in the telecom and ICT sectors.
A joint and detailed work plan outlining priority areas and measurable objectives will be drawn up to align cooperation with the national digital strategies of both countries.
Coordination in global digital platforms
The declaration also includes provisions for closer coordination in international and multilateral forums, where both countries will work towards promoting common understanding and advancing shared perspectives on telecommunications standards, digital governance and technology-led development.
Government officials said this coordination is expected to strengthen the two countries’ engagement in shaping global discussions on digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Ministry sees boost to innovation and industry ties
The Ministry of Communications said the signing of the JDI marks an important milestone in bilateral cooperation in the digital domain and is expected to drive innovation, strengthen industry linkages and support inclusive and sustainable digital transformation in both countries.
In a separate statement issued on Friday, the Department of Telecommunications said the pact is expected to “boost collaboration in telecom and emerging digital technologies, supporting inclusive and sustainable digital growth in both countries.”
The JDI was described as being linked to ongoing cooperation initiatives, including the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership and the Digital Dialogue work plan between India and Germany.
With the agreement now in place, officials on both sides said implementation discussions would begin shortly through the proposed working groups and institutional mechanisms.
