Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the growing strength of ties between India and Germany. He said trade between the two countries has crossed the 50 billion dollar mark for the first time. This is the highest level of bilateral trade achieved so far.

Highlighting the scale of engagement, the Prime Minister pointed to the strong presence of German companies in India. He said this reflects long-term trust and expanding business opportunities.

“Our bilateral trade has reached its highest level ever, surpassing the 50 billion dollar mark. More than 2,000 German companies have a long-standing presence in India. This reflects their unwavering confidence in India and the immense opportunities available here. This was vividly demonstrated this morning at the India-Germany CEO Forum,” PM Modi said.

High-Level Talks During German Chancellor’s Visit

PM Modi made these remarks during meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Ahmedabad. The visit focused on deepening economic, strategic, and business cooperation between the two countries.

At the same time, the India-Germany CEO Forum was held. It brought together leading business figures from both sides and underlined growing corporate interest in joint projects and investments.

Cooperation Expands Beyond Trade

The Prime Minister stressed that the partnership is no longer limited to trade alone. He said cooperation in technology and clean energy has strengthened steadily and is now producing visible outcomes.

“Technology cooperation between India and Germany has strengthened year after year, and its impact is clearly visible on the ground today. India and Germany share common priorities in the field of renewable energy. To further enhance this cooperation, we have decided to establish the India-Germany Centre of Excellence. This will serve as a shared platform for knowledge, technology, and innovation,” he said.

The proposed Centre of Excellence will support joint research, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. Its main focus will be renewable energy and advanced technologies, areas where both countries share similar goals.

MoUs Signed to Strengthen Long-Term Partnership

During the visit, India and Germany signed several Memorandums of Understanding. These agreements aim to expand cooperation at institutional and sectoral levels.

They reflect a shared commitment to long-term collaboration across a wide range of fields, including technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

Strategic Areas Reviewed in Delegation-Level Talks

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on his first official visit to India. Earlier in the day, he held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi.

The discussions reviewed progress in trade, investment, technology, education, skilling, and mobility. Both sides also explored new opportunities in defence, security, science, research, innovation, and sustainable development.

Trade in Goods and Services Sets New Records

Recent figures show the depth of the India-Germany partnership. Total trade in goods and services reached $51.23 billion in 2024–25.

Germany continues to be India’s largest trading partner within the European Union. It accounts for nearly one-fourth of India’s total trade with the EU, reinforcing its leading position.

Trade in services also saw strong growth. It increased by 12.5 percent in FY 2024–25 and touched a record high of $16.65 billion.

German Investment in India Remains Robust

Investment ties between the two countries remain strong. Germany is India’s ninth-largest source of foreign direct investment.

From April 2000 to June 2025, total German investments in India reached $15.40 billion. In FY 2024–25 alone, German companies invested $469 million in India, showing continued confidence in India’s economic prospects.