India and Germany

With a population of almost 1.4 billion people, India is one of the most diverse and dynamic countries worldwide. And just like the country itself, Indo-German trade is multifaceted and continuously evolving. Over recent years, economic relations between the two countries have steadily intensified. India is raising its profile both economically and politically. It has therefore become increasingly important to facilitate well-functioning trade between the two countries and to safeguard both the quality and safety of products traded.

Key sectors of Indo-German economic relations

Germany and India set up the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure in 2013. This body is working to reduce technical barriers to trade, enhance product safety and strengthen consumer protection. The Working Group has been part of GPQI since 2017. Annually, the two sides agree on a joint work plan that reflects key sectors of the economic relations between the two countries. Topics include mobility, digitalisation (Industrie 4.0, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity), mechanical engineering, chemicals, energy and medical devices and equipment. Furthermore, German experts support current regulatory reforms in India – for example in market surveillance and machinery safety. This promotes systemic harmonisation at international level.

Organisation of the interdisciplinary cooperation

The Working Group is led by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz - BMWK) and the Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD). It brings together ministries, regulators, public agencies, accreditation and standards bodies, industry associations and companies. Within the framework of the Working Group there is close collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises (MoHI&PE), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Power (MoP). Jointly these bodies address the concerns of industry regarding technical market access with a view to improving business conditions and bilateral trade.