Dr. Vijay Kalantri welcomes the Visit of German Chancellor; Highlights Growing Momentum in India–EU FTA and India–Germany Trade

Mumbai, January 14, 2026: All-India Association of Industries (AIAI) and World Trade Centre Mumbai
warmly welcomes the official visit of H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic
of Germany, to India, describing it as a defining moment that further strengthens the strategic, economic,
and technological partnership between the two nations.

Dr. Vijay Kalantri, President, All-India Association of Industries (AIAI) and Chairman, World Trade Centre
Mumbai, stated that India–Germany bilateral trade has already reached an impressive level of over USD 50
billion, clearly reflecting the depth and maturity of the relationship, while also highlighting the vast
untapped potential that lies ahead.

He emphasized that the German Chancellor’s visit provides strong momentum towards the India–
European Union Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to play a transformational role in strengthening
bilateral economic engagement. Once concluded, the India–EU FTA will significantly enhance market
access, reduce trade barriers, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate investment flows. This will give a
strong push to India–Germany trade and provide renewed confidence to businesses, MSMEs, and startups
on both sides.

Dr. Kalantri highlighted that the visit has reinforced collaboration across critical and high-growth sectors,
including defence, manufacturing, automotive and electric mobility, logistics and infrastructure,
shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, semiconductors, renewable energy, green hydrogen, battery
storage, and climate friendly technologies, where Indo-German synergies are powerful.

He welcomed the progress under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, noting that
cooperation in renewable energy, climate finance, and clean technologies aligns closely with India’s longterm development priorities and sustainability goals. Dr. Kalantri noted that Germany’s global leadership
in advanced manufacturing, engineering, Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence, clean technologies, and
precision engineering, combined with India’s large market, skilled workforce, digital capabilities, and
rapidly expanding industrial base, creates a highly complementary and future oriented partnership.

He added that Germany remains one of India’s most trusted economic partners, with over USD 15 billion
in cumulative investments and a strong presence across key sectors of the Indian economy. With growing
collaboration in technology, sustainability, and innovation, the India–Germany partnership is wellpositioned to scale new heights in trade, investment, and long-term economic cooperation.

Regards,
Sangeeta Jain
Senior Director
All India Association of Industries (AIAI)