New Delhi: India and Germany have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on telecommunications cooperation, marking a significant step towards expanding bilateral engagement in digital technologies, telecom manufacturing and regulatory collaboration. The pact was signed during German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit to India earlier this month.
The declaration was signed by telecom secretary Amit Agrawal on behalf of India and German ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann, and is among the key outcomes of discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merz. The agreement brings together India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation.
Under the JDI, the two countries will institute regular consultations, annual high-level meetings and dedicated working groups, with participation from government, industry, academia and research institutions. The framework is aimed at ensuring structured and outcome-oriented cooperation in the fast-evolving telecom and ICT space.
The agreement envisages collaboration in emerging and future digital technologies, exchange of best practices, and joint efforts in areas such as policy and regulatory frameworks, telecom manufacturing and improving ease of doing business. Both sides also plan to jointly develop a detailed work plan outlining priority areas and specific goals.
India and Germany will also work closely in international forums to promote shared perspectives on telecommunications and digital development, reflecting a broader alignment on inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
The pact comes at a time when India is positioning itself as a global hub for digital infrastructure and telecom manufacturing, while Germany is seeking deeper partnerships in next-generation technologies, making the agreement strategically significant for both economies