Indo-German Collaborations: A Genuine Friendship in the Making?

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For 2 countries that believe in democracy, share similar beliefs and have such rich cultures, it comes as a surprise that India and Germany have never quite hit it off before. Yes, the relations were never strained but the bonhomie that 2 such countries would be expected to share has largely been missing.

What makes this even more intriguing is that both nations specialize in different fields and could so easily have shared their knowledge and expertise to help the other improve in a specific sector; in return for a similar assistance. However, the nations have begun warming up to each other and have recently collaborated or have announced collaborations for common benefits.

Trade and Commerce

 Germany, India’s largest European trading partner, has also consistently been one of India’s biggest trade partners globally. Major German companies like BMW, Audi, Siemens, ThyssenKrupp, Bosch, Lufthansa and Deutsche Bank have already set up shop in India and their success has also generated interest from Germany’s medium sized enterprises.


On the other hand, with a cumulative investment of over US$ 7 billion, Indian corporate giants such as Infosys, Wipro, Ranbaxy, Piramal and Mahindra have established an identity for themselves in the German economy.

Infrastructure

 Germany has extended help to India for developing new infrastructure and improving the existing systems in order to create sustainable urban development in India.

In support of India’s ‘Smart Cities Mission’, Germany has taken it upon itself to modernise Kochi’s water transport system and enable it to ferry 100,000 passengers daily through 76 energy efficient ferries.


German Development Bank KfW is co-financing the construction of a sustainable metro rail network in the city of Nagpur.

Railways

Indian Railways have also benefited from rapidly strengthening Indo-German relations with the focus on improving passenger safety, speed enhancement and modernisation. 

Germany has pledged to work with India to increase the speed of the country’s passenger trains to 200 km/hr. Germany will also provide India with its advanced signalling systems to prevent rail accidents. To improve passenger safety, India will adopt German technology backed LHB coaches that are equipped with anti-collision devices.

The UNSC Expansion & Other International Issues

Both countries share a common objective of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and they work closely with each other for achieving the same. India also discusses with Germany a host of other international issues such as climate change, Disarmament, Export Controls, International cyber issues, etc. 


Defence

Like India, Germany too spends a lot of money on strengthening its defence. The nations thus share knowledge of technological advancements in defence sector with each other. For this purpose, the countries signed the India-Germany Defence Cooperation Agreement in the year 2006 to promote bilateral cooperation in defence matters.

Science & Technology

India is currently working on about 150 science and technology projects with Germany. Major German projects pertaining to particle physics are backed by Indian investments and technical assistance. More Indo-German collaborations in these fields are expected in the near future.

Culture

The Indo-German society is tasked with the responsibility of creating a cultural exchange between 2 nations with a rich history and strengthening Indo-German ties. Indian music, dance and movies have many admirers in Germany and artists from India are always welcomed with open arms. 

When 2 friends share common principles, have mutual respect and place trust in one another, the friendship usually lasts the distance. The Indo-German friendship is based on these very values. So don’t be surprised if this relationship stands the test of time and reaps rewards upon both nations.  

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