India, Germany Pact to Accelerate Telecom, ICT Industry

• India, Germany sign JDI to deepen telecom, ICT ties
• Pact sets framework for annual talks, joint working groups
• Focus on emerging tech, policy and digital cooperation

India and Germany have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to strengthen cooperation in the telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement recently.

The pact establishes a framework for consultations and high-level annual meetings, supported by dedicated working groups and multi-stakeholder engagement involving government, industry, academia and research institutions, the ministry said.

Under the agreement, the two countries will enhance cooperation through the exchange of information and best practices, promote collaboration in emerging and future technologies, and undertake joint efforts in areas such as policy and regulatory frameworks, manufacturing, and facilitation of ease of doing business, it added.

Also Read: National Startup Day 2026: How Startups are Redefining Tomorrow

The JDI was signed by Amit Agrawal, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT), on behalf of the Government of India, and Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, on behalf of the Government of Germany. The signing took place during the official visit of Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of Germany, to India from January 12 to January 13, 2026.

During the visit, Merz was accompanied by a delegation of German business executives and industry leaders. He held extensive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at boosting economic ties and exploring deeper collaboration across sectors, including semiconductors, critical minerals and the bioeconomy.

“Both sides expressed their intention to jointly develop a work plan, which will outline specific goals and areas of mutual interest, ensuring alignment with the priorities of both sides,” the ministry said.

It added that India & Germany may also consider working closely in relevant international fora to promote mutual understanding and advance shared perspectives on telecommunications and digital development.

“The signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent marks an important step in advancing India-Germany cooperation in telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT)s  and supports the shared objective of inclusive and sustainable digital transformation,” the ministry said.