India and Germany have taken a significant step towards strengthening their digital and technological partnership by signing a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation. The agreement aims to deepen bilateral collaboration in telecommunications and information and communication technologies (ICTs), reflecting the growing strategic alignment between the two nations in the digital domain.
The declaration was signed during the official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India from January 12 to 13. The pact emerged as one of the key outcomes of the discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the German Chancellor, underlining the importance both countries place on digital cooperation.
The signing of the JDI signals a shared commitment to advancing digital infrastructure, innovation, and governance frameworks in line with global technological developments.
The Joint Declaration of Intent was signed by Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom), on behalf of the Government of India, and Dr Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, representing the Government of Germany.
The agreement was concluded between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, providing an official and institutional foundation for long-term cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Communications, the declaration builds on the strong momentum in India–Germany relations and sustained high-level engagements. It seeks to establish a structured and institutionalised framework for cooperation in telecommunications and emerging digital technologies.
The agreement provides for:
Regular bilateral consultations
Annual high-level meetings
Creation of dedicated working groups
These mechanisms are designed to ensure continuity, accountability, and progress in joint initiatives.
The framework encourages active participation from government bodies, industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organisations from both countries. This inclusive approach aims to bridge policy, research, and industry needs.
Under the agreement, India and Germany have committed to strengthening collaboration in emerging and future technologies, including next-generation telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and ICT innovations.
The pact also focuses on:
Exchange of information and best practices
Cooperation on policy and regulatory frameworks
Strengthening telecom manufacturing ecosystems
Facilitating ease of doing business in the telecom and ICT sectors
These efforts align with India’s Digital India vision and Germany’s digital transformation agenda.
Both countries have agreed to jointly develop a detailed work plan outlining specific objectives and priority areas. This plan will ensure alignment with their respective national digital strategies and long-term development goals.
India and Germany will also collaborate closely in relevant international platforms to promote shared perspectives and foster common understanding on global telecommunications and digital development issues.
The Ministry of Communications stated that the signing of the JDI marks an important milestone in India–Germany cooperation. The agreement is expected to:
Drive technological innovation
Strengthen industry-to-industry linkages
Support inclusive and sustainable digital transformation in both countries
This partnership comes at a time when global cooperation in telecom and digital governance is becoming increasingly crucial amid rapid technological change.
The India–Germany Joint Declaration of Intent on Telecommunications Cooperation represents a forward-looking partnership focused on innovation, policy coordination, and digital growth.
By establishing structured collaboration mechanisms and aligning national digital priorities, the agreement is set to enhance bilateral ties and contribute meaningfully to the global digital ecosystem.
As both countries work together across government, industry, and academia, the pact is likely to play a key role in shaping resilient, inclusive, and future-ready digital infrastructure.