India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism about concluding the long-pending free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the European Union soon, while announcing expanded cooperation with Germany in green hydrogen and semiconductor sectors during talks in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Green Hydrogen and Strategic Sectors

Jaishankar specifically highlighted the importance of renewable energy efforts as part of the broader discussions on climate change and sustainable development efforts. The talks also addressed Germany's increasing interest in India's semiconductor industry, with Jaishankar welcoming this technological partnership. Both nations are exploring cooperation in the green hydrogen sector, marking a significant step in clean energy collaboration.

This collaboration comes as India seeks to strengthen its position in critical technology sectors and Germany looks to diversify its supply chains and partnerships. The talks also put focus on some key green financing companies like PFC and many green hydrogen plays, including IOCL.

Free Trade Agreement Progress

Speaking at a joint media briefing after wide-ranging discussions with German counterpart Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar stated that India would like to see its ongoing FTA negotiations with the European Union reach a “decisive conclusion” soon. The External Affairs Minister highlighted that both sides are exploring cooperation in the green hydrogen sector as part of these broader economic discussions.

According to Jaishankar, Wadephul assured him that Germany would put its “full weight” behind the India-EU free trade pact. The discussions focused on strengthening ties across multiple areas, including the economy, climate change, defence, and technology.

Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation

India and Germany recorded significant bilateral trade figures, with two-way trade reaching nearly EUR 50 billion last year. Jaishankar emphasized the momentum in economic relations, stating, “Our two-way trade last year was almost EUR 50 billion. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, in one of his interviews, said that he was very confident that we would be doubling our trade. Let me assure him that India fully reciprocates that sentiment. It looks forward to working with the German government.”

The external affairs welcomed Germany's interest in collaborating with India in the semiconductor sector, marking a new area of technological cooperation between the two nations.

Business Environment and Future Commitments

The external affairs minister characterized India's relationship with Germany as “enormously important” and noted that it is “growing significantly.” These remarks came as both nations continue to build on their strategic partnership across multiple sectors, from traditional trade to emerging technologies like semiconductors and green hydrogen.

The discussions represent part of India's broader engagement with European partners as the country seeks to conclude the long-pending FTA with the European Union, which aims to boost trade and investment between India and the 27-member bloc.

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