India–Germany Economic Partnership Gains Momentum as Piyush Goyal Meets Industry and Research Leaders in Berlin
Berlin, 24 October 2026: India is looking to expand its economic and technological partnership with Germany through stronger industrial cooperation, increased investment and deeper collaboration in research and innovation. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal concluded his two-day official visit to Germany following a series of high-level meetings in Berlin on 23 October.
The engagements brought together senior German government representatives, corporate executives, industrial research institutions, Indian business delegates and members of the Indian diaspora. Discussions centred on expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening advanced manufacturing capabilities and identifying opportunities in emerging technologies.
Economic and Investment Cooperation in Focus
During his visit, Goyal met Levin Holle, Economic and Financial Policy Advisor and G7/G20 Sherpa at the German Federal Chancellery. The two sides discussed bilateral economic relations and explored avenues to deepen investment and commercial ties between India and Germany.
The Minister also held separate discussions with senior executives from three major German business groups: Bernd Montag, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens Healthineers AG; Carsten Coesfeld, Member of the Executive Board of Bertelsmann and CEO of Bertelsmann Investments; and Holger Peters, Chief Financial Officer of Volkswagen AG and CEO of Škoda Auto.
The meetings focused on potential business partnerships, investment opportunities and greater industrial collaboration, reflecting the importance of German enterprises in India’s manufacturing, healthcare technology and automotive sectors.
Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Research
Strengthening cooperation in industrial research and technological development was another key component of the Berlin programme.
Goyal participated in a roundtable with representatives of prominent German industrial research institutions to discuss collaboration in advanced industrial technologies and innovation. The discussions explored how stronger connections between research organisations and businesses could support technological development and industrial growth in both countries.
The Minister also met heads of selected Fraunhofer Institutes, whose research activities cover areas including microelectronics, power electronics, logistics, smart manufacturing, industrial innovation and battery technologies.
The exchange examined opportunities to expand joint research initiatives and build stronger industry–academia partnerships, with an emphasis on translating scientific research into practical industrial applications.
Meanwhile, members of the accompanying Indian business delegation took part in sector-specific roundtables with German companies and industry associations. These interactions provided a platform to explore commercial opportunities and identify areas where Indian and German businesses could work together.
Engagement with Indian Researchers and Diaspora
As part of his outreach to India’s scientific and technological community overseas, Goyal interacted with Indian researchers and students working or studying in Germany. The engagement highlighted the potential contribution of scientific talent and cross-border knowledge exchange to bilateral innovation.
The Minister also met members of the Indian diaspora in Berlin and addressed the media during his visit.
Strategic Partnership with a Technology Focus
The meetings underscored the expanding scope of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership, particularly in trade, investment, advanced manufacturing, scientific research and industrial technology.
Germany’s industrial expertise and research infrastructure, combined with India’s expanding market, manufacturing ambitions and technology capabilities, offer opportunities for closer cooperation across several sectors.
The outcomes of the Berlin engagements are expected to contribute to continued dialogue between government, industry and research institutions as both countries seek to strengthen economic links and develop new avenues for collaboration.
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India, 24 October 2026.
