4.1. Background

♤ India was amongst the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the Federal Republic of Germany after the Second World War. Relations grew significantly following the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.

♤ In the last decade, both economic and political interaction between India and Germany has enhanced. Today, Germany is amongst India's most important partners both bilaterally and in the global context.

♤ India and Germany have a 'Strategic Partnership' since 2000, which has been further strengthened with the Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) between the two

Governments which allows for a comprehensive review of cooperation and a platform to identify fresh areas of engagement.

♤ India is among a select group of countries with whom Germany has such a dialogue mechanism.

♤ Germany and India cooperate closely on the issue of UNSC expansion within the framework of G-4. Both countries consult each other in G-20 on global issues such climate change, sustainable development.

♤ India's current priorities in most areas match with German expertise, such as renewable energy, skills development, smart city, water and waste management

♤ German President Joachim Gauck had visite India was in February 2014.

♤ German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited India from March 22 to 25, 2018