It is a discussion format that Germany conducts with only a few select partners: the Sixth German-Indian intergovernmental consultations are being held in Berlin today. The agenda includes a meeting between Federal Chancellor Scholz and India’s Prime Minister Modi, a plenary meeting of Ministers of both countries and meetings between business representatives.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will receive her Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, at the Federal Foreign Office for talks on deepening cooperation with India as a strategic partner, in particular with a view to enhancing the countries’ joint efforts in the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable development. They will also discuss issues related to geopolitical security and stability. These include stability in the Indo-Pacific region and Russia’s war in Ukraine. During their meeting, the two Ministers will sign a joint declaration of intent on the exchange of classified information, which will create a basis for further expanding security policy cooperation.

Partnership for tackling the climate crisis

India’s per‑capita carbon emissions are very low. However, the country obtains more than 90% of its energy from fossil fuels. Due to its size, India is the fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. At the same time, the country is itself severely affected by climate change. Therefore, cooperation in the fight against the climate crisis and adaptation to mitigate the effects of climate change are key issues of bilateral cooperation and of these intergovernmental consultations.

India and Germany will accordingly launch a partnership for climate and sustainable development, with the aim of further enhancing cooperation in this sphere. The meeting of both countries’ Ministers who are responsible for climate protection-related issues and for sustainability will therefore be particularly important. Specifically, the Ministers will discuss renewables, including green hydrogen, green urban mobility and environmental protection. Both countries want to substantially increase their investments in this domain and expand their cooperation with regard to research and technology.

A strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region

Germany and India’s diplomatic relations date back more than seven decades. In 1951, India was one of the first countries to grant the Federal Republic of Germany diplomatic recognition following the Second World War. Today, the countries are linked by a strategic partnership. One of its key pillars is their shared interest in strengthening multilateral cooperation and in promoting stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. India is also Germany’s largest Global Development Partner. This partnership, too, focuses on climate protection and mitigating the effects of global warming. Efforts here include expanding renewables, increasing energy efficiency and promoting a sustainable economy.

Joint Declaration of Intent between The Republic of India And The Federal Republic of Germany on the Partnership for Green and Sustainable Development