Germany on Monday committed about EUR 1.3 billion in India, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened through these loans, as per an official statement. Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). "During the negotiations, Germany announced new commitments amounting to almost EUR 1.3 billion, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened," the statement read. Christine Toetzke, Director General for Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/South Eastern Europe at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), said India remains a major strategic partner country, also under the new German government. "I am delighted to continue our trustful development cooperation- under the umbrella of GSDP, guiding our commitment to the bilateral cooperation. With the projects committed today, Germany and India jointly follow the path to sustainable prosperity and overcome global challenges," Christine Toetzke said. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, emphasised the unique nature of the GSDP cooperation between the two countries. He said, "Our negotiations under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership are serious in purpose but deeply rewarding, because they take place with partners we know well and value greatly. Germany has no partnership quite like the GSDP with any other country (apart from India); its scale, its ambition, and its spirit of equal collaboration make it truly unique. It is not traditional development cooperation; it is two mature nations working together to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. I am very pleased that we were able to conclude the negotiations efficiently, and I look forward to the important work we will take forward together in the coming year." Ahead of the negotiations, Christine Toetzke travelled to Bengaluru to gain first-hand insights into the 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All'. Her programme in Bengaluru showcased India's pioneering mobility landscape-from large-scale public transport projects to cutting-edge digital and accessibility innovations. The 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All' is a flagship initiative under the GSDP, aimed at advancing low-carbon, people-centric, safe, accessible and affordable mobility solutions. A notable example of ongoing Indo-German cooperation is the recently inaugurated Yellow Line Metro segment in Bangalore, supported by a EUR 340 million KfW (Germany's development bank) loan. The project not only strengthens sustainable urban transport and reduces emissions, but has also contributed to the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs, with German companies such as Siemens, Knorr-Bremse, Hubner and Voith involved in essential deliveries and services. In addition, the Living Lab in Bangalore, powered by a partnership between government, industry, academia, civil society and companies such as Bosch and Nunam, demonstrates how Indo-German cooperation is driving climate-smart innovation. India's first rooftop solar-powered EV charging station with second-life batteries, developed by Nunam, has already been scaled from Bangalore to Surat to support the city's public e-bus fleet. The Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development (GSDP), launched in 2022, is a strategic cooperation framework supporting sustainable and climate-aligned development.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).

Germany on Monday committed about EUR 1.3 billion in India, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened through these loans, as per an official statement. Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). "During the negotiations, Germany announced new commitments amounting to almost EUR 1.3 billion, primarily in the form of concessional loans, across the key areas of climate and energy, sustainable urban development, green urban mobility, and sustainable management of natural resources. In addition, bilateral cooperation in the skills development sector, in particular, renewable energy will be strengthened," the statement read. Christine Toetzke, Director General for Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Eastern/South Eastern Europe at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), said India remains a major strategic partner country, also under the new German government. "I am delighted to continue our trustful development cooperation- under the umbrella of GSDP, guiding our commitment to the bilateral cooperation. With the projects committed today, Germany and India jointly follow the path to sustainable prosperity and overcome global challenges," Christine Toetzke said. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, emphasised the unique nature of the GSDP cooperation between the two countries. He said, "Our negotiations under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership are serious in purpose but deeply rewarding, because they take place with partners we know well and value greatly. Germany has no partnership quite like the GSDP with any other country (apart from India); its scale, its ambition, and its spirit of equal collaboration make it truly unique. It is not traditional development cooperation; it is two mature nations working together to find solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. I am very pleased that we were able to conclude the negotiations efficiently, and I look forward to the important work we will take forward together in the coming year." Ahead of the negotiations, Christine Toetzke travelled to Bengaluru to gain first-hand insights into the 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All'. Her programme in Bengaluru showcased India's pioneering mobility landscape-from large-scale public transport projects to cutting-edge digital and accessibility innovations. The 'Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All' is a flagship initiative under the GSDP, aimed at advancing low-carbon, people-centric, safe, accessible and affordable mobility solutions. A notable example of ongoing Indo-German cooperation is the recently inaugurated Yellow Line Metro segment in Bangalore, supported by a EUR 340 million KfW (Germany's development bank) loan. The project not only strengthens sustainable urban transport and reduces emissions, but has also contributed to the creation of an estimated 25,000 jobs, with German companies such as Siemens, Knorr-Bremse, Hubner and Voith involved in essential deliveries and services. In addition, the Living Lab in Bangalore, powered by a partnership between government, industry, academia, civil society and companies such as Bosch and Nunam, demonstrates how Indo-German cooperation is driving climate-smart innovation. India's first rooftop solar-powered EV charging station with second-life batteries, developed by Nunam, has already been scaled from Bangalore to Surat to support the city's public e-bus fleet. The Indo-German Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development (GSDP), launched in 2022, is a strategic cooperation framework supporting sustainable and climate-aligned development. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Germany and India successfully concluded the India-Germany Government Negotiations on Development Cooperation 2025, reaffirming their strong and future-oriented partnership under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).

Germany announces EUR 1.3 bn support for India’s climate, energy, urban projects

German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann switched to Electric Vehicle with sustainability in mind and marked the occasion with Indian customs and rituals as he smashed a coconut and tied 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon and chillies) in his new car.

The ritual is believed to ward off evil spirits.

Ackermann said that as the pollution in Delhi increases during winters, he switched to EVs to "contribute" to reducing it.

"Germany and India are committed to a mutual partnership, which is called the partnership agreement to sustainable development...In winter time, pollution gets really bad and I felt that we should do a contribution to reducing pollution. I wanted to have an EV and that is why my HQ accepted after a while that we get a new car which is an e-Car and therefore reduces pollution. That was the main aim," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/october-2024-is-germany-ka-mahotsov-in-delhi-amb-ackermann-765758">Also read:&nbsp;October 2024 is 'Germany ka Mahotsav' in Delhi: Ambassador Ackermann</a>

Earlier on October 12, Ackermann expressed his happiness over launching the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) in Delhi and said the organisation would push the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Europe.

Talking to ANI, Ackermann said that the launch of FEBI in Delhi is an important step as Europe plays an important role in the Indian business ecosystem.

Watch |&nbsp;German Envoy Ackermann upbeat on Indian Business Climate; Says key Indo-German talks this year

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"It's a great moment. I think FEBI is a very, very interesting network. It is now a network that has over a hundred companies from Europe, and it's an umbrella organization of all the bilateral chambers of commerce. And I think in the time when Europe always plays a more and bigger role in India, it is a very, very interesting and important network. In the near future, we will see FEBI being very active in very many fields, not least also when it comes to the FTA negotiations between India and the EU," the German Ambassador said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann switched to Electric Vehicle with sustainability in mind and marked the occasion with Indian customs and rituals as he smashed a coconut and tied 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon and chillies) in his new car.

German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann switched to Electric Vehicle with sustainability in mind and marked the occasion with Indian customs and rituals as he smashed a coconut and tied 'nimbu-mirchi' (lemon and chillies) in his new car. The ritual is believed to ward off evil spirits. Ackermann said that as the pollution in Delhi increases during winters, he switched to EVs to "contribute" to reducing it. "Germany and India are committed to a mutual partnership, which is called the partnership agreement to sustainable development...In winter time, pollution gets really bad and I felt that we should do a contribution to reducing pollution. I wanted to have an EV and that is why my HQ accepted after a while that we get a new car which is an e-Car and therefore reduces pollution. That was the main aim," he said. Also read: October 2024 is 'Germany ka Mahotsav' in Delhi: Ambassador Ackermann Earlier on October 12, Ackermann expressed his happiness over launching the Federation of European Business in India (FEBI) in Delhi and said the organisation would push the free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Europe. Talking to ANI, Ackermann said that the launch of FEBI in Delhi is an important step as Europe plays an important role in the Indian business ecosystem. Watch | German Envoy Ackermann upbeat on Indian Business Climate; Says key Indo-German talks this year × "It's a great moment. I think FEBI is a very, very interesting network. It is now a network that has over a hundred companies from Europe, and it's an umbrella organization of all the bilateral chambers of commerce. And I think in the time when Europe always plays a more and bigger role in India, it is a very, very interesting and important network. In the near future, we will see FEBI being very active in very many fields, not least also when it comes to the FTA negotiations between India and the EU," the German Ambassador said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German envoy performs Indian rituals after buying new EV; ties 'lemon and chillies', smashes coconut

Point to a packed month for Indo-German ties, the German ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has termed October 2024 as "Germany ka Mahotsav" or Festival of Germany in New Delhi.&nbsp;

This month will see the German chancellor Olaf Scholz travelling to India for the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), which happens every two years and alternates between New Delhi and Berlin. Chaired by the German chancellor and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it sees the top cabinet ministers from the two sides sitting together for talks to firm up ties.&nbsp;

New Delhi will also host, Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) for which top German CEOs will be travelling to the world's fifth largest economy to seek more opportunities to invest.&nbsp; 
 
Speaking to WION, the ambassador said, " Germany is very present right now, and that reflects the intensity and the sort of the commitment in our bilateral relations. We are very much looking forward to this conversation".&nbsp; 
 
The past few weeks have witnessed high-level engagements, with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar travelling to Berlin for talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and German Security and Foreign Policy Advisor Jens Plötner travelling to India for talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-boosts-green-energy-ties-with-india-ahead-of-chancellor-scholzs-visit-756691">Also read:&nbsp;Germany boosts green energy ties with India ahead of Chancellor Scholz's visit</a>

Both sides are also looking to firm up defence ties, especially via&nbsp;port calls by German vessels to Goa in a few days' time. Earlier on Tuesday (Oct 8), Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius spoke ahead of the latter's India visit for IGC.&nbsp;

Commenting on the defence minister's telephonic talks, Ambassador Ackermann said, "we have proven our commitment to India as a military strategic partner which has grown over the last couple of months".

He highlighted that the phone call was "basically preparation for the bilateral meeting both ministers will have later in the month. And I think on the table of the inter government consultations, you will see a lot of military and defence policy also".&nbsp;

In an important first, the German air force participated in India's Tarang Shakti exercises in Tamil Nadu in August. Berlin’s participation was led by German Air Force chief Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz who flew a Eurofighter Typhoon for over five hours to land at Sulur Air Force Base. German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders together are contesting in a tender to build submarines for the Indian Navy.

Watch |&nbsp;Indian Girl Taken Away from Parents in Germany Three Years Ago

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Not only defence but sustainability forms another area of cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Olaf in May 2022, announced the Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development, with emphasis on enhancing cooperation in renewable energy sectors, including solar, wind, and green hydrogen technologies. Germany was the partner country at the Re-Invest event in Gujarat, India's largest renewable energy sector event in August 2024.

Meanwhile, the ambassador spoke also on German foreign policy which aims at inclusivity. He said, "Germany's policy is indeed to try to increase the number of women in the diplomatic corps in order to make gender equality a big issue."

Point to a packed month for Indo-German ties, the German ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has termed October 2024 as "Germany ka Mahotsav" or Festival of Germany in New Delhi.

Point to a packed month for Indo-German ties, the German ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann has termed October 2024 as "Germany ka Mahotsav" or Festival of Germany in New Delhi. This month will see the German chancellor Olaf Scholz travelling to India for the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), which happens every two years and alternates between New Delhi and Berlin. Chaired by the German chancellor and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it sees the top cabinet ministers from the two sides sitting together for talks to firm up ties. New Delhi will also host, Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) for which top German CEOs will be travelling to the world's fifth largest economy to seek more opportunities to invest. Speaking to WION, the ambassador said, " Germany is very present right now, and that reflects the intensity and the sort of the commitment in our bilateral relations. We are very much looking forward to this conversation". The past few weeks have witnessed high-level engagements, with India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar travelling to Berlin for talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and German Security and Foreign Policy Advisor Jens Plötner travelling to India for talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Also read: Germany boosts green energy ties with India ahead of Chancellor Scholz's visit Both sides are also looking to firm up defence ties, especially via port calls by German vessels to Goa in a few days' time. Earlier on Tuesday (Oct 8), Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius spoke ahead of the latter's India visit for IGC. Commenting on the defence minister's telephonic talks, Ambassador Ackermann said, "we have proven our commitment to India as a military strategic partner which has grown over the last couple of months". He highlighted that the phone call was "basically preparation for the bilateral meeting both ministers will have later in the month. And I think on the table of the inter government consultations, you will see a lot of military and defence policy also". In an important first, the German air force participated in India's Tarang Shakti exercises in Tamil Nadu in August. Berlin’s participation was led by German Air Force chief Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz who flew a Eurofighter Typhoon for over five hours to land at Sulur Air Force Base. German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and India's Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders together are contesting in a tender to build submarines for the Indian Navy. Watch | Indian Girl Taken Away from Parents in Germany Three Years Ago × Not only defence but sustainability forms another area of cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Olaf in May 2022, announced the Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development, with emphasis on enhancing cooperation in renewable energy sectors, including solar, wind, and green hydrogen technologies. Germany was the partner country at the Re-Invest event in Gujarat, India's largest renewable energy sector event in August 2024. Meanwhile, the ambassador spoke also on German foreign policy which aims at inclusivity. He said, "Germany's policy is indeed to try to increase the number of women in the diplomatic corps in order to make gender equality a big issue."

October 2024 is 'Germany ka Mahotsav' in Delhi: Ambassador Ackermann

While speaking to Sidhant Sibal, WION's Correspondent, German Ambassador - Dr Philipp Ackermann said, 'You might have seen my government's reaction; they have condemned the attack by Iran on Israeli soil in the strongest terms. Germany is very worried; I think we are facing a very dangerous situation. And my government has been very active to try to de-escalate the situation. So I think the need of the hour is to reduce the tension so that the spiral of violence is not escalated.'

German Amb Philipp Ackermann talks about Berlin tracking West Asia tensions, 'it's very dangerous'

India and Germany are collaborating on triangular cooperation projects aimed at promoting sustainable development in countries across Asia, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific region, according to German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann. In an interview with WION, Ambassador Ackermann highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing the combined expertise of both nations.

'India-Germany working on joint sustainable projects in Ghana', says German Ambassador Ackermann

WION’s principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal sat with German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann to discuss India’s G20 presidency. The discussion revolved around India’s role in building consensus on the G20 forum, which has remained heavily divided, especially in the wake of the Ukraine crisis.

WION’s principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal sat with German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann to discuss India’s G20 presidency. The discussion revolved around India’s role in building consensus on the G20 forum, which has remained heavily divided, especially in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. The ambassador also talked about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s notable absence from the summit, his very first since assuming power in China almost 11 years ago. Mr Ackermann told Sibbal that Xi’s absence was not a big deal at all and China still was being represented at a high level as the country’s prime minister will lead the Chinese delegation. He also said that climate was amongst the top priorities for his nation, and Germany will be very strongly advocating for ‘a good climate text’ in the joint communiqué. Here are the edited excerpts from the conversation: WION: India is hosting the G20 Summit. What are your expectations from the Indian presidency of this mega grouping? German Ambassador- So, first of all, thanks for having me. And I would say that this summit is now the peak or the high point of a year-long presidency. The expectations of course for the summit are high clearly, you know, you have delivered so much that we are looking forward to the, to the summit and, you know, in a very, very difficult geopolitical environment, we have to call it like it is there is no, no doubt that the times are difficult. We are very confident that the Indian side will bring together the leaders of the world around one statement, one declaration. Now, I think, the big negotiations are ongoing, I mean, we have seen the negotiators sitting around the table for the last couple of days and I think we are in the midst of the discussions as it always is before the summit and we will see the outcome very soon. It is a difficult task. There is no doubt, but I trust that the Indian diplomatic skills. WION: Are you hopeful that there will be a joint statement because they're sharp positions when it comes to G7, and Russia and China on the other side? German Ambassador- So, I think I'm very hopeful. There is always a risk that things will not go the way the presidency wants them. But I think if a country can bring success to this, India is the country. So we have seen the Indian role last year in Bali where the declaration was a success. And I am very confident that India will play this role as a pen holder as the president this year. It's difficult because when you are president, you are supposed to be neutral. You are the one who brings everybody together. I think chances are high that things will end up in a satisfactory manner. WION: Well, the focus is also African Union. India has proposed African Union become a permanent invitee. What is Germany's view on this proposal? German ambassador- I can tell you that we support this proposal wholeheartedly. We feel that the African Union is a very, very valuable partner, and it should have a seat at the table. We Germans and also the European Union have always been promoting and supporting the African Union's efforts to join these multilateral forums. WION: There's also the China challenge. The Chinese President Xi Jinping is skipping the summit here in Delhi. Do you think that is a negative signal being sent by Beijing to this summit? Given there are tensions as well. German ambassador: So frankly, I think it is unfortunate that the Chinese president will not attend, but you should see it in a larger context. This is a G20 plus, that means, you have 19 plus other countries who will be represented at a very high level and the Chinese prime minister will come so he's also a very high-level representative of his country. So, I will say don't read too much into it. It will be a very important summit. China will make its voice heard at the table, so I would not see it as a failure or something. WION: What does Germany bring to the table during this year's summit? German Ambassador: So what we want is basically support the Indian presidency. The main aim is to make this presidency a success. (If you ask) What are our priorities? Climate is certainly one and that has turned out to be also difficult in the last ministerial meeting. So we will be very, very strongly advocating for a good climate text. I think that partnerships with what you call 'the global South', with partners in the southern hemisphere, is very important for us. That includes energy partnerships, natural resources partnerships, and discussing, you know, support the West can extend to these countries is very important and third, and not least, (We want to see) the problem of Ukraine tackled in the right way. We have a war of aggression that has a huge impact on the world economy, and that must be addressed in the right way. WION: But do you think that it won't be the main focus during the summit because first, the host is neutral? There are many global south countries and essentially President Zelensky is not present as well. German Ambassador: You cannot say that the whole G20 Summit should be rallying around this one question. I think it has been on the table for a long time when it comes to the negotiations of the statement. It's an important role. You know, I'm not a fan of those who say, let's keep politics out of the G-20 because politics and economics are interwoven. And you see with this war of aggression against Ukraine, what impact it has on many countries. But having said that, I think India has been so helpful during the valuable interaction, but I'm full of trust and confidence that India, as a president, will find a formula that will satisfy the most. WION: How do you see the visit of the German Chancellor? German Ambassador: We had a very successful and extremely interesting visit in February. This time, will be more in the context of the G20. But it shows very clearly that there is a shift in Germany towards India and a clear commitment towards an Indian German relationship that reflects, you know, the values we share and the potential that there is in this bilateral relationship; be that economic, be that scientific and also political. WION: How India and Germany are working together to fight the issue of climate change. German ambassador- We have this partnership for green sustainable development. I think India is an excellent partner. Not only that, because without India climate change is not to be tackled in a satisfactory way but also because India is full of creative ideas on how to tackle climate change. So we have not only the government, we have think tanks, academia, we have these very lively private sector that is so engaged and committed to renewable energy. So I think India is an ideal partner. Germany spends 1.3 billion euros a year together with India in developing ways and means to tackle climate change. I couldn't think of a more appropriate partner for Germany. We continue this engagement and look forward to developing ways and means to tackle this global problem with India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Exclusive: German ambassador says Xi's absence at G20 not a big deal, climate top priority