Piyush Goyal Holds High-Level Talks in Berlin to Strengthen India–Germany Trade, Investment and Industrial Cooperation

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal held a series of high-level economic engagements in Berlin on 22 October 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s trade, investment and industrial cooperation with Germany. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral business opportunities, encouraging technology partnerships and exploring the potential of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to deepen economic integration.

During his visit, Goyal met German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche, participated in an India–Germany Business Roundtable and jointly inaugurated the India Centre at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). He also addressed the Berlin Global Dialogue and held discussions with senior executives of major German companies.

The engagements formed part of India’s broader efforts to deepen its strategic economic partnership with Germany and strengthen commercial cooperation with European industries.

India and Germany Discuss Industrial Cooperation and Free Trade Opportunities

During their bilateral meeting, Piyush Goyal and Katherina Reiche reviewed opportunities for closer industrial collaboration between India and Germany. Their discussions highlighted the potential of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement to expand bilateral trade, encourage investment and create new opportunities for businesses in both economies.

Germany is one of India’s important economic partners in Europe, with established cooperation across engineering, manufacturing, automotive technologies, chemicals and industrial equipment. Stronger industrial engagement could help Indian manufacturers access advanced technologies while providing German companies with opportunities to expand their participation in India’s growing economy.

The ministers also discussed the importance of translating trade policy initiatives into practical business opportunities. Their engagement reflected a shared interest in strengthening industrial relationships and developing long-term commercial partnerships that support economic growth in both countries.

India Centre Inaugurated at German Council on Foreign Relations

Piyush Goyal and Katherina Reiche jointly inaugurated the India Centre at the German Council on Foreign Relations in Berlin. The new centre is intended to strengthen policy research, institutional engagement and dialogue concerning India–Germany relations.

The initiative provides a dedicated platform for examining bilateral cooperation and promoting informed discussions on economic, strategic and international policy issues. By bringing together researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders, the centre can contribute to a deeper understanding of emerging opportunities and challenges in the relationship.

The establishment of the India Centre also reflects the expanding scope of India–Germany cooperation beyond conventional trade and investment. Institutional dialogue can support sustained engagement on technology, economic policy and international developments that influence both countries.

India–Germany Business Roundtable Focuses on Investment and Industrial Partnerships

Goyal and Reiche co-chaired an India–Germany Business Roundtable organised in cooperation with the German Council on Foreign Relations and the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business (APA). The meeting brought together German chief executives and business leaders to examine opportunities for expanding commercial and industrial cooperation.

In his keynote address, Goyal focused on accelerating economic growth and creating the foundations for a new era of trade relations. Reiche addressed the importance of transforming the prospective India–EU Free Trade Agreement into tangible industrial and economic opportunities.

The subsequent discussions examined how trade arrangements could support business expansion, investment decisions and stronger industrial partnerships. Participants considered the importance of moving beyond policy-level agreements towards commercially viable projects that deliver measurable benefits for companies operating in India and Germany.

The roundtable provided an opportunity for direct engagement between policymakers and business leaders. Such interactions help identify practical obstacles to investment and encourage closer cooperation between industries seeking to expand their international operations.

Piyush Goyal Highlights Trust and Resilient Supply Chains at Berlin Global Dialogue

During the Berlin Global Dialogue, Goyal participated in a panel discussion titled New Era, New Alliances: The Third Path? The session examined changing international economic relationships and the need for new approaches to cooperation in an increasingly complex global environment.

The discussion featured Martin Blessing, Personal Representative of the German Chancellor for Investment; Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Dr Tan See Leng; and Emma Marcegaglia, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Marcegaglia Steel. Professor Lars-Hendrik Röller moderated the session.

Goyal emphasised the importance of trust, complementary economic strengths and resilient supply chains in building successful international partnerships. His remarks highlighted the growing significance of dependable commercial relationships as countries seek to strengthen economic security and diversify their industrial networks.

The discussion also provided a platform for examining cooperation among major economies and businesses operating across different regions. India’s participation reflected its expanding engagement in international conversations concerning trade, investment and industrial development.

Meetings with Bayer, Knauf and Fresenius Explore Business Cooperation

Alongside the ministerial and multilateral engagements, Goyal held individual meetings with senior executives from several major German companies to explore opportunities for business and investment cooperation.

He met Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of its Pharmaceuticals Division. Bayer is a major international company with operations in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, making the engagement relevant to India’s expanding healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

Goyal also held discussions with Murat Akyildiz, Managing Partner of Knauf Group, a company operating in the construction materials and building systems industry. Cooperation with companies in this sector could support opportunities connected with India’s infrastructure development and construction markets.

Another meeting involved Michael Sen, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, a German healthcare company. The engagement provided an opportunity to explore potential cooperation in healthcare-related business and investment activities.

These discussions highlighted the diversity of sectors covered during Goyal’s Berlin visit. By engaging directly with corporate leadership, India sought to encourage stronger commercial relationships and identify areas where international investment and industrial expertise could support economic development.

Delegation of 100 Indian Businesses and Startups Strengthens Economic Outreach

Piyush Goyal’s visit to Germany and the Netherlands included a delegation of approximately 100 Indian businesses and startups. The participation of such a large business delegation underscored the importance India places on private-sector engagement in expanding its economic relationships with European countries.

The delegation provided Indian enterprises with opportunities to explore international markets, establish business connections and engage with potential commercial partners. Participation by startups also reflected India’s growing interest in connecting emerging technology companies with established European industrial and innovation ecosystems.

Germany’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and India’s expanding industrial and entrepreneurial base offer complementary opportunities for cooperation. Engagement between businesses from both countries can encourage technology partnerships, supply-chain integration and new investments across multiple sectors.

The visit also demonstrated India’s approach of combining government-level economic diplomacy with direct industry participation. Such engagement helps connect strategic policy objectives with practical commercial opportunities.

India–Germany Strategic Partnership Gains Further Economic Momentum

The Berlin engagements marked another step in strengthening the economic dimension of the India–Germany Strategic Partnership. Discussions on the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, industrial collaboration, investment and resilient supply chains reflected the growing importance of the relationship within India’s wider engagement with Europe.

The inauguration of the India Centre at DGAP added an institutional dimension to the partnership, while the business roundtable and corporate meetings provided opportunities for more direct commercial cooperation.

India’s expanding manufacturing capabilities, technological development and startup ecosystem offer opportunities for closer engagement with Germany’s established industrial strengths. Together, these complementary capabilities provide a foundation for stronger investment relationships, innovation partnerships and industrial cooperation.

The Berlin meetings reinforced the commitment of both countries to expanding economic engagement and building a more diversified, technology-driven partnership. Continued interaction among governments, businesses and research institutions will strengthen the foundations of India–Germany cooperation and support India’s growing role in international trade and manufacturing.

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References

1. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal Holds High-Level Economic Engagements in Berlin to Strengthen India–Germany Trade and Investment Ties. Published 23 October 2026.
2. German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) – Institutional information concerning the India Centre and India–Germany policy dialogue.
3. Department of Commerce, Government of India – India–European Union trade and economic relations.

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