Prime Minister Modi on Monday hailed the growing strength of India-Germany ties and stressed that bilateral trade between the two countries has crossed the $50 billion mark. “Our bilateral trade has reached its highest level ever, crossing the $50 billion mark. More than 2,000 German companies have been present in India for a long time. This reflects their unwavering faith in India and the immense opportunities that exist here. This was clearly demonstrated at the India-Germany CEO Forum this morning,” he said. The remarks came as Prime Minister Modi met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad as part of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening economic and strategic cooperation. The meeting coincided with the India-Germany CEO Forum, bringing together leaders of both countries as trade and investment ties expand. The Prime Minister emphasized cooperation beyond trade and noted the steady progress in technology and clean energy cooperation. “Technology cooperation between India and Germany has increased year on year, and its impact is now clearly visible on the ground. India and Germany have common priorities in the field of renewable energy. To further strengthen this cooperation, we have decided to establish the India-Germany Competence Center.” This will serve as a common platform for knowledge, technology and innovation,” he said. During the event, both countries signed several memorandums of understanding highlighting efforts to expand institutional and sectoral cooperation. Chancellor Merz’s visit, his first official trip to India, included delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi earlier in the day. These discussions reviewed existing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, technology, education, skills and mobility, while exploring opportunities in defence, security, science, innovation, research and sustainable development. Current figures underline the extent of the partnership. Bilateral trade in goods and services reached $51.23 billion in 2024-25, with Germany remaining India’s largest trading partner within the European Union. Germany accounts for around a quarter of India’s total trade with the EU, thereby consolidating its leading position. Services trade between the two countries rose 12.5% in fiscal 2024-25 to reach a record $16.65 billion. Investment relationships also continue to be important. With cumulative inflows of $15.40 billion from April 2000 to June 2025, Germany is the ninth largest foreign direct investor in India. In the 2024-25 financial year alone, German investments in India amounted to $469 million.
