Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) in New Delhi, marking the first time the event has been hosted in India in 12 years. His address highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Germany, especially in trade, technology, and sustainable development. In attendance were German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, and Dr. Oliver Busch, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business.
In his speech, Modi emphasized the strength of India-Germany relations, noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership. He highlighted recent milestones, including the German cabinet’s “Focus on India” document, which outlines Germany’s commitment to increasing its skilled workforce by expanding annual work visas for Indians from 20,000 to 90,000. Modi called the document a blueprint for deepened collaboration, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and green energy, which he described as the building blocks for future global stability.
India’s partnership with Germany has been transformative, with bilateral trade exceeding $30 billion and mutual investments growing rapidly. More than 1,800 German companies operate in India, while a rising number of Indian companies are expanding their footprint in Germany. Modi invited attendees to consider “making in India and making for the world,” positioning India as a center for global trade diversification and a reliable manufacturing hub in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Prime Minister underscored India’s commitment to infrastructure development, citing initiatives in digital public infrastructure, transport, and industrial projects. Modi highlighted transformative missions—including the Semiconductor, Quantum, and Green Hydrogen Missions—that represent major investment opportunities in India. German companies were encouraged to participate in these areas, with renewable energy collaboration between the two countries already underway. Last month’s Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet in Gujarat, co-hosted by Germany, emphasized the countries’ joint commitment to a sustainable future.
Prime Minister Modi lauded India’s resilience and political stability, noting that his government is the first in 60 years to be elected for a third consecutive term. He attributed this stability to India’s “four pillars” of growth: democracy, demography, demand, and data, with a renewed focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and an aspirational youth population driving innovation.
Modi also emphasized the Indo-Pacific region’s critical role in global growth, urging stakeholders to prioritize values like trust, transparency, and sustainability. He acknowledged the significance of the Asia-Pacific Conference as a platform not only for trade and investment but also for fostering stability in the region, which he deemed crucial for the world’s future.
Concluding his address, Modi encouraged business leaders to enjoy India’s rich culture, cuisine, and hospitality, promising a memorable experience for all participants. The conference, Modi said, symbolizes India’s evolving relationship with Germany and the Asia-Pacific, a relationship set to grow stronger as the two nations jointly pursue a sustainable and prosperous future.
