Photos Credit: Minister Piyush Goyal
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal concluded a two-day official visit to Germany on Friday, 24 October, engaging in a series of high-level meetings with government and business leaders in Berlin to strengthen trade, technology, and investment cooperation between the two countries. The visit marked a renewed push to deepen the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, now in its 25th year, with a strong focus on green technology, manufacturing, and innovation.
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Partnership
On October 23, Minister Goyal met Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, for comprehensive discussions on expanding cooperation in green energy, innovation, and supply-chain resilience.
“It was a pleasure to meet Ms Katherina Reiche in Berlin,” Minister Goyal said in a post on X. “Our discussions focused on deepening Indo-German ties in trade and investment, joint industrial and technological partnerships in green energy, new and emerging technologies, as well as defence.”
During the talks, both ministers reiterated their commitment to the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which they described as a critical framework to unlock the next phase of bilateral and European economic collaboration. Minister Reiche reaffirmed Germany’s strong support for concluding the FTA and deepening engagement across sustainable manufacturing and advanced industrial technologies.
Minister Goyal highlighted the significant policy reforms India has implemented to improve the investment climate, citing initiatives such as the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, simplification of foreign investment rules, and a focus on ease of doing business.
“India’s large and talented workforce, coupled with our stable and reform-driven economy, offers German companies an unparalleled opportunity to diversify supply chains, scale innovation, and expand global operations,” he said. “We invite German businesses to make India their trusted partner for manufacturing, R&D, and sustainable growth.”
Minister Goyal also met Dr Levin Holle, Economic and Financial Policy Advisor at the German Federal Chancellery, to discuss bilateral economic cooperation, financing models for green transition projects, and strengthening Indo-German collaboration in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.
Engagement with German Businesses
A key highlight of the visit was Minister Goyal’s intensive engagement with German industry leaders. He chaired a round-table meeting with CEOs of German Mittelstand (SME) firms and Indian companies at the Indian Embassy in Berlin, focusing on partnerships in innovation-led manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, and skill development.
“Delighted to engage in a Round Table discussion with CEOs of German Mittelstand (SME) companies and Indian businesses,” Goyal posted. “We discussed ways for companies from both sides to collaborate, strengthen trade and investment ties, and build strong industrial partnerships for mutual growth.”
Executives from leading German firms including Schaeffler Group, Infineon Technologies, RENK GmbH, Herrenknecht AG, and Enertrag SE participated in these interactions. The discussions explored joint ventures, technology transfers, and new investments in automotive components, semiconductors, mobility solutions, tunnelling technology, and renewable energy.
During his meetings:
With Infineon Technologies AG, he explored partnerships in semiconductor manufacturing, AI, and decarbonisation technologies.
With Schaeffler Group CEO Klaus Rosenfeld, he discussed deepening cooperation in automotive innovation, AI-driven manufacturing, and mobility solutions.
With RENK GmbH, the talks centred on opportunities in defence and vehicle engineering.
With Herrenknecht AG, the focus was on infrastructure technology, tunnelling systems, and engineering design partnerships.
With Enertrag SE, the discussion covered hydrogen production, renewable integration, and offshore wind solutions.
Minister Goyal also held a meeting with the Federation of German Industries (BDI), the country’s top industry body, where both sides exchanged views on strengthening industrial value chains, innovation ecosystems, and market access for SMEs.
“Wonderful meeting with the leadership of the Federation of German Industries,” Goyal noted. “We discussed strategic initiatives to further strengthen Indo-German trade relations and enhance the role of our industries in shaping the future of sustainable global trade.”
The Minister also met members of the Indian business community and diaspora in Berlin, acknowledging their contributions in technology, academia, and entrepreneurship as key enablers of people-to-people and economic ties.
At the Berlin Global Dialogue 2025
On October 24, Minister Goyal participated in the Berlin Global Dialogue 2025, one of Europe’s premier economic forums that convenes global policymakers and business leaders. Speaking in a Leaders’ Dialogue session titled “Growing Together – Trade and Alliances in a Changing World,” the minister emphasised India’s long-term commitment to fair and equitable trade partnerships.
“India will not sign any trade deal in a hurry,” he said, addressing global delegates. “We are focused on agreements that are comprehensive, fair, and foster sustainable growth and mutual prosperity.”
Goyal highlighted India’s rapid economic transformation and said the country is positioning itself as a trusted partner in global value chains, particularly in sectors such as electronics, mobility, and clean energy.
On the sidelines of the Dialogue, he met EU Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis, and the two reviewed the progress of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement. Both reaffirmed their intent to expedite negotiations to achieve a “balanced and mutually beneficial” outcome.
“We discussed the progress in the India–EU FTA negotiations and our shared commitment to resolving outstanding issues,” Goyal said after the meeting. “Our goal is to expand opportunities for businesses across both regions.”
Outcomes and the Road Ahead
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the Berlin visit helped strengthen partnerships in green hydrogen, semiconductors, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing — areas where both countries have complementary strengths.
German companies expressed strong interest in investing in India’s clean energy, automotive, and electronics sectors, while Indian firms sought German expertise in technology transfer, R&D, and precision manufacturing.
Germany remains India’s largest trading partner within the European Union, with bilateral trade crossing USD 25 billion in 2024, and over 1,800 German companies currently operating in India. Officials said the visit laid the groundwork for a fresh phase of cooperation — one focused on innovation, sustainable industry, and shared economic growth.
“India and Germany are natural partners in shaping a resilient and technology-driven global economy,” Goyal said at the close of his visit. “Together, we can drive progress that is green, inclusive, and future-ready.”
