India, Germany Sign Joint Declaration to Boost Telecom Cooperation

India and Germany on Thursday signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties in the fields of telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

The declaration was signed during the official visit of German Federal Chancellor Mr. Friedrich Merz to India from January 12 to 13, 2026. The JDI was signed by Shri Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom), on behalf of the Government of India, and Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, representing the Government of Germany.

The agreement emerged as one of the key outcomes of the engagements between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the German Federal Chancellor, reflecting the growing momentum in India–Germany relations and sustained high-level interactions.

Concluded between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS), the declaration aims to deepen cooperation in telecommunications and ICTs, particularly in emerging and future digital technologies.

The JDI provides a framework for structured and outcome-oriented collaboration through regular consultations, high-level annual meetings, and dedicated working groups involving stakeholders from government, industry, academia and research institutions.

Under the declaration, both countries have agreed to enhance cooperation through the exchange of information and best practices, joint efforts in policy and regulatory frameworks, promotion of manufacturing, and facilitation of ease of doing business in the telecom and ICT sectors.

Both sides also agreed to jointly develop a detailed work plan outlining specific goals and areas of mutual interest. In addition, India and Germany will work closely in relevant international fora to promote shared perspectives and common understanding on telecommunications and digital development.

The signing of the JDI marks an important milestone in advancing India–Germany collaboration in telecom and ICTs and supports the shared objective of inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.