Germany is likely to become a major buyer of green hydrogen produced in India in the coming years, German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann said on Thursday, expressing confidence that India has the potential to transform from an energy importer into a significant energy exporter. He also identified renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and the proposed India-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as the key pillars that will shape the next phase of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at the Indo-German Industries Dialogue organised by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce, Ackermann said India's rapid progress in renewable energy and green hydrogen production could position the country as an important supplier of clean energy to global markets.
"I think India, in a couple of years, will be an energy exporter. Germany might well become one of the countries importing this green hydrogen in the future," the Ambassador said.
Describing renewable energy as a strategic component of India-Germany relations, Ackermann said both nations are actively working to deepen collaboration in hydrogen technologies and clean energy solutions.
"I understand that our ministry is already working with India on hydrogen projects in a very concrete and practical way," he said, highlighting the growing cooperation in the sector.
The Ambassador recalled his recent visit to the Adani Group's renewable energy project in Kutch, Gujarat, where he witnessed the scale of India's clean energy infrastructure. He said he was impressed by the extensive solar and wind power facilities as well as the company's ambitious plans for green hydrogen production.
"They have created an incredible amount of electricity through this vast solar and wind installation. Their plans for green hydrogen are equally ambitious," he remarked. Ackermann also pointed to the recently announced memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Germany's ThyssenKrupp and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), which aims to localise alkaline water electrolyzer technology in India. He described the partnership as an important step towards building a robust green hydrogen ecosystem.
"It is extremely important to combine advanced electrolysis technology with India's engineering capabilities and manufacturing strength to support the implementation of large-scale green hydrogen projects," he said.
Beyond clean energy, Ackermann identified artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital manufacturing and Industry 5.0 technologies as emerging areas of collaboration between India and Germany. According to him, both countries are looking to build new technology partnerships, strengthen supply chains and create future-ready industries.
"We are in the middle of transforming manufacturing, creating entirely new value chains and generating new employment opportunities," he said.
Referring to the AI Summit held in New Delhi earlier this year, the Ambassador noted that India and Germany had agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence through a bilateral AI partnership. The initiative aims to combine India's expertise in software and AI with Germany's industrial capabilities while promoting innovation, supporting startups and small and medium enterprises, strengthening supply chains and encouraging the responsible development of AI technologies.
On the trade front, Ackermann described the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement as a potentially transformative development for German companies operating in India.
"Perhaps the biggest game changer for German businesses in India will be the India-EU Free Trade Agreement," he said, expressing hope that negotiations would conclude by the end of this year and that the agreement could come into effect during the first half of next year.
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Responding to a question from ANI on the sidelines of the event, the Ambassador said Germany remains optimistic about expanding its economic relationship with India. He noted that Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 50 billion annually, and said the proposed FTA is expected to encourage greater investment and business engagement.
Ackermann also expressed confidence about the proposed India-Germany submarine deal, saying he was hopeful the agreement would be signed in the near future. "I am very hopeful and confident that it will be signed very soon, perhaps within the next month," he said. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's engagement with Germany, the Ambassador described him as an "extremely forthcoming" and "highly engaged" leader, adding that Germany considers the Prime Minister "a very strong friend of Germany."
The remarks reflect the growing strategic partnership between India and Germany, with both countries seeking to expand cooperation across clean energy, advanced technology, defence and trade while positioning themselves for stronger long-term economic collaboration.
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