INDIA AND GERMANY: A BOND FORGED IN HISTORY AND FUTURE
Think Germany, and most of us would conjure up the image of the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Think of a German, and it would be Max Müller—the 19th-century scholar and Indologist who unveiled the mystic Indic civilization to thousands of Germans and other Westerners. In his book India: What Can it Teach Us?, Müller wrote, “If I were to look over the whole world to find out the country most richly endowed with all the wealth, power, and beauty that nature can bestow…I should point to India.” Even 150 years ago, Müller could see beyond the poverty of a colonized nation to its natural bounty, cultural heritage, and latent potential.
Germany and India have long shared a spiritual bond that transcends trade and commerce. Today, Germany remains India’s most significant partner in Europe, with over 2,000 German companies operating in India and investing nearly $15 billion in FDI since 2000. Meanwhile, more than 200 Indian companies in Germany generate billions in revenues and employ tens of thousands. With 43,000 Indian students in German universities, they form the largest cohort of foreign students in the country. Bilateral trade between the two nations currently stands at $34 billion, with immense potential to hit $100 billion in the near future.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the relationship with Germany has been elevated to new heights. The frequent meetings between PM Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz—including twice in 2023—underline the strategic importance both nations place on their partnership.
The News9 Global Summit, held in Stuttgart, Germany, from November 21 to 23, 2024, brought together key stakeholders from both nations to ideate and collaborate on strengthening bilateral relations. Hosted at the state-of-the-art MHP Arena with the co-host VfB Stuttgart and the support of Baden-Württemberg, the summit was a groundbreaking three-day event.
The summit featured high-level discussions, fireside conversations, cultural performances, and awards, creating a dynamic platform for politics, business, civil society, sports, and entertainment leaders from both nations. It was a resounding success, fostering meaningful dialogue and setting the stage for deeper cooperation between India and Germany.
As we reflect on this milestone event, the News9 Global Summit has cemented its place as a pivotal moment in India-Germany relations, creating pathways for collaboration that will benefit not just the two nations, but the global community.
Vielen Dank to everyone who participated and made the summit an unparalleled success!
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