India and Germany Sign Key Pact to Strengthen Telecom and Digital Cooperation

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.

Joint Declaration Signed During High-Level India–Germany Engagement

Agreement Finalised During German Chancellor’s India Visit

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.

Who Signed the Agreement    

Senior Officials Represent Both Governments

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.

Institutional Framework Behind the Pact

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.

Objectives of the India–Germany Telecommunications Pact

Creating a Structured Framework for Digital 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.

Key Features of the Joint Declaration of Intent

Regular Consultations and Annual High-Level Meetings

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.

Multi-Stakeholder Participation

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.

Focus Areas of Cooperation

Emerging and Future Digital Technologies

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.

Policy, Regulation, and Manufacturing

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.

Joint Work Plan and Global Coordination

Alignment with National Digital Strategies

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.

Cooperation in International Fora

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.

Significance of the Agreement

Driving Innovation and Sustainable Digital Growth

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.

Conclusion

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.