India and Germany have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation, marking a significant step towards deepening bilateral collaboration in the fields of telecom and information and communication technologies (ICTs).
The declaration was signed during the official visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India from January 12 to 13. The agreement was one of the key outcomes of the engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the German Chancellor, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two countries.
The JDI was signed by Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom), on behalf of the Government of India, and Dr Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, representing the Government of Germany. It was concluded between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation.
According to the Ministry of Communications, the declaration builds on the strong momentum in India-Germany relations and sustained high-level engagements, and aims to create a structured framework for cooperation in telecommunications and emerging digital technologies. It provides for regular consultations, annual high-level meetings, and the creation of dedicated working groups, with active participation from government, industry, academia, and research institutions.
Under the agreement, both sides have committed to enhancing cooperation through the exchange of information and best practices, collaboration in emerging and future technologies, and joint efforts in areas such as policy and regulatory frameworks, telecom manufacturing, and facilitating ease of doing business in the telecom and ICT sectors.
The two countries have also agreed to jointly develop a detailed work plan outlining specific goals and priority areas, ensuring alignment with their respective national digital strategies. In addition, India and Germany will work closely in relevant international fora to promote common understanding and advance shared perspectives on telecommunications and digital development.
The Ministry said the signing of the JDI marks an important milestone in India-Germany cooperation and is expected to drive innovation, strengthen industry linkages, and support inclusive and sustainable digital transformation in both countries.
