The India-Germany strategic partnership is entering a new phase of deeper engagement, with both countries expanding cooperation across trade, investment, energy and other strategic sectors, German Ambassador to India Jasper Wieck said on Wednesday.
Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF) in New Delhi, Wieck said bilateral relations had evolved significantly.
He said the relationship was now meeting and exceeding the expectations associated with the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Proposed India-EU trade deal expected to boost ties
Wieck highlighted the growing momentum in economic relations and said the proposed India-EU free trade agreement could strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
The agreement is expected to be signed by the end of 2026 and come into force in the first half of 2027, he said.
It would reduce tariffs on several industrial products and some agricultural goods, potentially enabling closer integration of supply chains.
“The EU free trade agreement, which is to be signed at the end of this year and is expected to enter into force in the first half of next year, will be a game changer for our bilateral trade and investment partnership,” Wieck said.
He added that the agreement could create opportunities for businesses in both countries to strengthen commercial ties.
Indo-German Energy Forum marks 20 years
The ambassador also highlighted Germany’s support for India’s clean energy transition.
Referring to the IGEF, he said the platform was established to support India’s shift from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources.
Over the past two decades, the forum has played an important role in advancing cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector, he said.
The remarks came as India and Germany marked 75 years of diplomatic relations and 26 years of their strategic partnership.
Wieck said the relationship was now living up to the expectations of the strategic partnership and extending cooperation across a wider range of areas.
