In a powerful address at the second edition of the News9 Global Summit in Stuttgart, Florian Hassler, State Secretary for Political Coordination & Europe, Baden-Württemberg, highlighted the success of the strategic partnership between his German state and Maharashtra.
“Ten years ago, we started a strategic partnership with Maharashtra, uniting two economic powerhouses in Germany and India,” Hassler stated, highlighting a decade of robust collaboration that has spanned industry, academia, and culture. His remarks highlighted a relationship built on deep mutual trust, tangible economic exchange, and a shared vision for a common future.
Hassler detailed the impressive extent of this bilateral engagement, noting that approximately 350 companies from Baden-Württemberg are currently active in Maharashtra, while more than 50 Indian companies have established a presence in Baden-Württemberg. “This shows so much trust is on both sides,” he emphasised, illustrating the vibrant economic corridor that has been forged between India and Germany.
The partnership extends far beyond commerce, reaching into the critical realms of education and vocational training. The State Secretary for Political Coordination and Europe shared that universities in Baden-Württemberg maintain over 100 partnerships with Indian institutions, with a significant number concentrated in Maharashtra, fostering collaborative research that addresses diverse sector challenges.
Furthermore, Hassler highlighted the development of “bridges” in skilled trades and vocational training, presenting a mutually beneficial opportunity where talented individuals from Maharashtra can come to work in Baden-Württemberg. This initiative not only addresses potential skill gaps in Germany but also offers invaluable international experience for young Indian professionals.
Hassler stressed that the India-Germany partnership is not solely confined to science and technology; it also celebrates a rich cultural exchange. For over two decades, the state capital has hosted the Indian Film Festival, which he proudly proclaimed as the largest Indian film festival in all of Europe, effectively bridging cultures and fostering deeper understanding.
The News9 Global Summit, a pivotal event that started on Thursday, 2025, in Stuttgart, served as the platform for these discussions. The Summit’s overarching theme, ‘Democracy, Demography, Development – The India–Germany Connect,’ aims to comprehensively deepen bilateral ties across economic, strategic, and cultural dimensions.