Software, Renewable Energy, and Machinery: Indian Investors Look to Germany

One in three Indian businesses in Germany is active in IT. And renewable energy, with companies like Suzlon (Repower) and the Kalyani Group, is increasingly drawing Indian investors.

At the same time, German machinery is in demand worldwide, but even more critical in India. In the last three months, orders from across the globe increased by 3 percent, according to a new report by Germany’s machinery and equipment industry association (VDMA).

But for India, machines made up over one third of all imports from Germany last year. Germany Trade & Invest is hosting an investor event in Mumbai tomorrow for Indian companies looking for business opportunities in Germany.

“The importance of Germany’s economic partnership with India cannot be overstated. A growing number of German and Indian companies are discovering excellent opportunities for cooperation and growth,” stated Michael Pfeiffer, Chief Executive of Germany Trade & Invest.

While high quality German machinery continues to make a major contribution to India’s rapid modernization, Indian IT and software companies thrive in Germany on the foundation of a cutting-edge communications infrastructure, consistently one of the highest ranked in the world.

Looking Ahead
The significance of future industries like renewable energies is shaping the partnership as well. Indian wind energy heavyweight Suzlon and its 100 percent German subsidiary Repower is a key example. Tusli R. Tanti, principal shareholder and chairman of Suzlon recently announced the company’s dual strategy of serving Europe from Germany and markets in Asia and Oceania from India. This type of strategy serves as a blueprint for German and India companies large and small. Tanti also praised Germany as a location for research and development, citing the company’s global leadership in wind energy innovations.

Pawan Ruia, Chairman of Ruia Group and speaker at a similar event yesterday in Kolkata added: "Germany's today and India's tomorrow make them great partners for a successful marriage. I believe German technology and Indian aspiration and innovative spirit will take the two countries far ahead.”