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Key Points

India and Germany have announced ambitious plans to double their bilateral trade, which reached a record $33.4 billion in 2024. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar confirmed India's full commitment to improving ease of business for German companies. German Foreign Minister Wadephul called India a "rising economic powerhouse" and reaffirmed Berlin's support for finalizing the India-EU free trade agreement. Both ministers emphasized that global changes and economic volatility make this partnership increasingly important for both nations.

Key Points: India Germany Aim to Double Bilateral Trade and Conclude EU FTA

  • Bilateral trade hit record $33.4 billion in 2024 between India and Germany
  • Over 200 German companies are currently active in the Indian market
  • Germany is India's 8th largest trading partner and 9th largest foreign investor
  • Both nations cite global volatility as reason for stronger economic partnership
3 min read

India, Germany aim to double bilateral trade, take India-EU FTA to decisive conclusion: EAM Jaishankar

EAM Jaishankar and German FM Wadephul commit to doubling $33.4B trade and finalizing India-EU FTA, citing global changes and economic opportunities.

"We would be doubling our trade with India - German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul"

New Delhi, Sep 3

Amid significant and far-reaching changes on the global strategic landscape, India and Germany will work towards doubling the bilateral trade, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday, adding that together, they would like India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations to move to a decisive conclusion soon.

Bilateral trade has grown significantly over the past decade between the two nations, reaching a record high of around $33.4 billion (28 billion euros) in 2024.

In a press briefing with visiting German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, EAM Jaishankar said that in one of his earlier interviews, his German counterpart had said he was very confident that "we would be doubling our trade" with India.

"Let me assure him that India fully reciprocates that sentiment. We look forward to working with the German government towards this. I want to reiterate that we remain fully committed to continuously improving the ease of doing business in this country. I assured the minister today that any concerns that German companies may have in India -- coming to India, establishing themselves, working here -- we would be prepared to give it special attention," the EAM stressed.

He also said that the "changes we see in the world today do influence our policies and do influence the manner in which we approach other countries".

"We're also seeing a lot of volatility on the global economic landscape, and I think together, they make a very powerful case for India and the European Union (EU) and India and Germany to work much more closely with each other. This is a relationship where there are considerable possibilities for fairly rapid growth," EAM Jaishankar highlighted, adding that there are big changes underway in the world which "make a very compelling case for a deeper, stronger, wider India-Germany relationship".

Wadephul said that India is Germany's key economic trading partner, and more than 200 German companies are active in the country.

He called India a "rising economic powerhouse" with a "special importance" on the global stage, reaffirming Berlin's full support for finalising the FTA between India and the European Union.

Germany was the 8th largest trading partner for India in 2024-25. It was India’s 12th largest trading partner in 2023-24 and 11th largest trading partner in 2022-23. Germany is the 9th largest foreign direct investor in India with a cumulative FDI of $15.11 billion from April 2000 to March 2025.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Hope this FTA negotiation actually concludes this time. We've been hearing about India-EU FTA for years. Germany's support could be the push needed to get it done.
A
Aditya G
$33.4 billion is impressive growth! German companies bring great manufacturing expertise while Indian IT and pharma can expand in EU markets. Win-win situation for both economies.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in automotive sector, German investment has been crucial for skill development. More collaboration means better opportunities for Indian engineers and technicians.
K
Karthik V
While the numbers look good, I hope our government ensures that Indian SMEs also benefit from this partnership. Sometimes big MNCs dominate and local businesses struggle to compete.
M
Michael C
Germany recognizing India as a "rising economic powerhouse" says a lot about how the world sees our growth story. Strategic partnerships like these are key for becoming a $5 trillion economy.
N
Nisha Z
Hope the FTA includes easier visa processes for Indian professionals. Many skilled workers face challenges working in EU countries despite having qualifications.

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