Photo Credit: @PiyushGoyal/X
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Katherina Reiche, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, in Berlin on Thursday, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening economic, technological, and strategic cooperation with Germany.
The meeting took place during Mr Goyal’s two-day official visit to Germany (October 22–23), part of a broader initiative to reinforce the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Focus on Trade, Investment, and Technology Collaboration
In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Goyal said, “It was a pleasure to meet Ms. Katherina Reiche, German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, in Berlin.
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. Talks also covered Germany’s commitment to finalising the India-EU FTA.
I highlighted how India’s large talent pool, combined with our push for Ease of Doing Business, offers attractive prospects for German companies to diversify investments and strengthen supply-chain resilience.”
The meeting underscored shared priorities in green energy, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Minister Reiche reaffirmed Germany’s strong support for concluding the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), noting its potential to expand access and cooperation across European markets.
Engagements with German Industry Leaders
During his Berlin visit, Mr Goyal also held CEO-level discussions with senior executives from major German corporations including Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Infineon Technologies AG, Schaeffler Group, Renk Vehicle Mobility Solutions, Herrenknecht AG, and Enertrag SE.
The talks focused on joint ventures, technology transfer, clean mobility, renewable energy collaborations, and innovation-led manufacturing. These interactions, officials said, form a crucial bridge between India’s expanding industrial base and Germany’s technological expertise.
Roundtable with German Mittelstand Companies
Mr Goyal also chaired a Round Table discussion with CEOs of German Mittelstand (SME) companies and Indian businesses, focusing on innovation and sustainable manufacturing.
In another post on X, he said, “Delighted to engage in a Round Table discussion with CEOs of German Mittelstand (SME) companies & Indian businesses.
Highlighted the key opportunities India offers in innovation & sustainable manufacturing, and discussed ways for Indian & German companies to collaborate, strengthen trade & investment ties, and build strong industrial partnerships for mutual growth.”
The discussion, attended by representatives from the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the Asia-Pacific Association of German Business (APA), aimed to foster business-to-business partnerships, skilling initiatives, and sustainable industrial linkages.
At the Berlin Global Dialogue 2025
As part of his engagements, Mr Goyal is participating in the Berlin Global Dialogue 2025, a premier international economic forum that convenes global leaders from business, government, and academia.
He will speak at a Leaders’ Dialogue session titled “Growing Together – Trade and Alliances in a Changing World,” highlighting India’s emergence as a trusted global partner and the pivotal role of Indo-German collaboration in building resilient, innovation-driven global value chains.
A Renewed Strategic Momentum
Officials said the visit comes at a time when India and Germany are aligning their partnership around future-ready sectors such as green hydrogen, electric mobility, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.
Germany remains India’s largest trading partner within the European Union, while India’s growing innovation ecosystem and reform-driven economy offer German industries opportunities to co-create sustainable technologies and diversify global operations.
As both nations mark 25 years of their Strategic Partnership, the Goyal–Reiche meeting and accompanying industry engagements have set a renewed momentum for Indo-German cooperation — one anchored in trade, technology, sustainability, and shared economic growth.
