NEW DELHI: India and Germany have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on Telecommunications Cooperation during the official visit of Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, to India. The Joint Declaration was signed by Amit Agrawal, Secretary (Telecom) on behalf of the Government of India, and Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India, on behalf of the Government of Germany.

The JDI was signed as one of the key outcomes of the engagements between the Prime Minister of India and the Federal Chancellor of Germany. The Declaration was concluded between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation (BMDS), Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Joint Declaration reflects the shared commitment of both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fields of telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), building upon the strong momentum in India-Germany relations and sustained high-level engagements.

The JDI establishes a framework for regular consultations and high-level annual meetings, supported by dedicated working groups and multi-stakeholder engagement involving government, industry, academia and research institutions. These engagements will help ensure structured, outcome-oriented cooperation.

Under the JDI, both sides have agreed to enhance cooperation through regular exchange of information and best practices, promotion of collaboration in emerging and future technologies, and joint efforts in areas such as policy and regulatory frameworks, manufacturing, and facilitation of ease of doing business in the telecommunications and ICT sectors.

Both Sides expressed their intention to jointly develop a work plan, which will outline specific goals and areas of mutual interest, ensuring alignment with the priorities of both Sides. Both countries have also expressed their willingness to work closely in relevant international fora to promote mutual understanding and advance shared perspectives on telecommunications and digital development.

The signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent marks an important step in advancing India-Germany cooperation in telecommunications and ICTs and supports the shared objective of inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.