70 Years of Diplomatic relations between India and Germany

Bilateral relations between India and Germany are founded on shared democratic principles and are marked by a high degree of trust and mutual respect. With common interest in maintaining a rule-based international order, the two democracies are close strategic partners, maintaining continuous exchange of ideas through more than thirty consultations and dialogue forums.

The year 2021 signifies an important milestone for the India-Germany relationship as it marks the 70^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. India was among the first countries to Revision of the Occupation Statute for Germany was issued on March 6, 1951, allowing Germany to conduct foreign relations, an announcement was made the next day, March 7, 1951, about the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Federal Republic of Germany.

From the beginning, science and technology has been a key source of common interest for the countries. Germany played a crucial role in the establishment of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras in 1959- a trailblazer in cutting-edge science and engineering education. The visit of Dr. Heinrich Lubke, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, to India in 1962 marked the beginning of the Indo-Germany Technical Assistance Program. This collaboration in the field of science, research and technology marked the beginning of a long and fruitful journey which has yielded significant results and contributed immensely to the scientific and economic successes of the two nations.

India and Germany have a long tradition of academic and cultural exchange. Max Mueller was the first scholar of Indo-European languages to translate and publish the Upaishads and the Rigveda. German interest in Indian philosophy and languages had resulted in the setting up of the first Chair of Indology at the University of Bonn in 1818. As a result of this strong tradition of academic and cultural exchange, there has been growing interest in Germany in ancient as well as modern Indian art forms, such as dance, music and literature, motion picture and TV industry.

As India liberalised its economy in the last decade of the 20^th century, the India-Germany economic partnership emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries. Trade and investment relations rapidly picked up and by the turn of the millennium, it was clear that the new intensity in bilateral relations had to be recognised and nurtured. On 18 May 2000, India and Germany signed the ‘Agenda for the Indo-Germany alliance in the 21^st century’ which laid the foundation for a higher order of bilateral cooperation in a rapidly changing global era.

Relations between the two countries received a fresh impulse when India and Germany entered into a ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2001. The increased momentum in bilateral relations during the first decade of the 21^st century culminated in the institutionalisation of the Instergovernmental Consultations (IGC), held since 2011 every two years at the level of Heads of Government. The IGC is a whole-of-government dialogue format which allows for a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and identification of fresh areas of engagement.

The relationship has reached a level of maturity with the completion of 70 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. Marking the 70^th anniversary on March 7, 2021, the Foreign Ministers of India and Germany delivered special messages conveying felicitations and good wishes to the people of both countries and calling for further intensification of partnership based on the robust foundation of the 70 years.

As the world grapples with the disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the India-Germany strategic partnership is poised to play a crucial role in creating and supporting global capacities to face complex challenges. Cooperation between the two countries would go a long way in ensuring that the post-pandemic global order is peaceful, development-oriented, human centric and sustainable.

India Post is privileged to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 70 years of Diplomatic Relations between India and Germany, to celebrate the natural partnership between the two vibrant democracies working together for global peace and development.