Bilateral exchanges with India: Advancing digital cooperation in strategic areas

In the framework of the Indo-German Digital Dialogue, State Secretary Schnorr and a delegation of the Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) recently travelled to New Delhi in order to discuss digital policy areas of strategic interest and the future direction of the Digital Dialogue with Indian government cooperation. Since the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDoI) was signed in 2017, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the German government have promoted stronger economical and technological cooperation in the field of information and communications technology (ICT).

Discussing cooperation areas of strategic interest with MeitY

During the first meeting on 9 April with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the main focus of the discussion was on cooperation approaches such as semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), graphene technology and digital skills. In his opening remarks, Secretary Krishnan of MeitY had already stressed geostrategic importance of technologies such as semiconductors and AI and pointed out the value of international partnerships. State Secretary Schnorr also highlighted the strategic importance Digital Dialogues have for Germany and expressed openness to new proposals for shaping a common Work Plan for 2025-2026. One area of cooperation could be the R&D sector: India showed interest in gaining German cooperation partners to advance its research and development (R&D) capabilities in the field of semiconductors.  

Furthermore, the digital security of users, networks, and domains was debated and the importance of multilateral approaches emphasized. The Indian side called for stronger inclusion on multilateral platforms and it was suggested that German ministries jointly fund specific research and innovation projects with India.

Both parties reaffirmed their intention to continue the partnership and strengthen it structurally within the framework of the Indo-German Digital Dialogue.

The German and Indian delegation discussing areas of interest and cooperation opportunities in New Delhi, India.

Towards a deepened cooperation in telecommunications technology

The delegation of the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, together with representatives from the German Embassy and the Secretariat of the Digital Dialogue also came together with the Ministry of Communications and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to exchange their expertise regarding telecommunication technology.

The meeting on 11 April was under the impression of current efforts to reach a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and therefore, both sides recognized the value this initiative, and a deepened cooperation in the telecommunications sector in general, holds. In addition, Mr Schnorr and DoT representatives debated concrete areas of potential cooperation areas, such as spectrum management, 5G/6G rollout, cybersecurity and regulatory capacity building. The DoT expressed interest in Germany’s approach to spectrum auctioning and highlighted the rollout of 5G and 6G and role of this technology in improving rural broadband access. State Secretary Schnorr once again stressed joint standardisation efforts and the strategic relevance of shared standards. Conclusively, both sides reaffirmed the importance of regular exchanges and close cooperation. A high-level follow-up is envisioned after the new German government has formed.