The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in collaboration with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC), hosted the Sector Dialogue on “Climate Resilience and Environmental Technologies – Leveraging Potential for Indo-German Economic Cooperation” on 7 May 2026 in Berlin.
Bringing together representatives from government, industry, development cooperation organisations, financial institutions, and businesses from India and Germany, the dialogue explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in climate resilience and environmental technologies.
The event formed part of the Indian delegation programme to IFAT Munich 2026, organised by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) India and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC). It also marked the launch of a broader series of Indo-German sector dialogues designed to facilitate exchange between policymakers and industry stakeholders, with key outcomes feeding into the Indo-German Business Day and the Indo-German Intergovernmental Consultations later in the year.
Strengthening a Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Growth
Opening the event, State Secretary Niels Annen (BMZ) highlighted the strategic importance of the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). Against the background of recent geopolitical developments and climate-related risks he emphasised the growing relevance of climate resilience and environmental technologies for economic competitiveness, resilient supply chains, and sustainable development. Referring to India’s economic growth and growing attractiveness as an investment destination, he encouraged participants to move from broad ambitions towards concrete partnerships, investments, and collaborative projects, particularly in the clean technology sector. Mr Annen also stressed the importance of private sector engagement in development cooperation projects, including initiatives related to agroecology, sustainable rural value chains, climate standards, and supply chain due diligence.
Katharina Wittke, Director for South and Southeast Asia & the Pacific at the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK), welcomed the participants on behalf of the German business community. Drawing on findings from DIHK’s global business outlook survey, she highlighted the increasing importance of resilient supply chains, circular economy approaches, and climate-resilient value chains in a rapidly changing global business environment. She also underlined the role of the network of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad in facilitating partnerships and supporting businesses in translating opportunities into practical projects.
Delivering the keynote address, Chandra Shekhar Mishra, Joint Secretary at the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), reaffirmed India’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development. He highlighted progress in renewable energy deployment, climate resilience, circular economy initiatives, and resource efficiency, while emphasising the importance of international partnerships and private sector participation in achieving environmental and climate objectives. He also identified advanced water treatment, circular economy solutions, waste-to-energy technologies, and digital environmental systems as promising areas for future Indo-German cooperation.
Envisioning the Future of Indo-German CleanTech Cooperation
The programme featured two panel discussions examining opportunities for deeper cooperation between India and Germany. The first panel focused on the outlook for Indo-German CleanTech cooperation, with views from:
- Ruchika Drall – Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MoEFCC)
- Dr. Veronika Tomei – Head of Division, UN, 2030 Agenda, Asia/Latin America, German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN)
- Vikram Jaikrishan Kotru – Additional Director & Head, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
- Santosh Singh – Managing Director, Aavishkaar Group
- Katharina Moeller-Herrmann – Director Partnerships, Bayer
Representatives highlighted the close link between India's development ambitions and climate objectives. Discussions explored how future infrastructure growth, industrial expansion, and urbanisation present opportunities to embed sustainability and climate resilience from the outset.
A key theme was the growing importance of circular economy approaches – including opportunities for cooperation in recycling, waste management, wastewater treatment, resource efficiency, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems. Speakers noted that evolving regulatory frameworks are creating new opportunities for technology deployment, investment, and innovation, while also encouraging businesses to rethink resource use and product lifecycles.
The discussion also highlighted the complementary strengths of the two countries: Germany’s technological expertise and experience in environmental solutions, combined with India’s scale, implementation capabilities, and rapidly growing market demand.
Scaling Solutions Through Finance, Partnerships and Innovation
The second panel explored how businesses can benefit from existing and planned Indo-German cooperation initiatives. Panelists included:
- Vinayak Bhat – Director, Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Sanjoy Ghosh – General Manager Climate Action and Sustainability, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
- Barbara Schäfer – Head of Division South Asia, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
- Elisabeth von der Ohe – Senior Societal Outreach Manager, Agricultural Solutions, BASF
- Laurence Jassogne – Head of Nature and Climate Solutions, Olam Agri
Representatives discussed approaches to scaling successful projects, improving access to finance, strengthening public-private partnerships, and addressing implementation challenges. Particular attention was given to blended finance mechanisms, water resource management, climate-smart and regenerative agriculture, and the importance of involving businesses in project design and implementation from an early stage.
An interactive audience discussion complemented the panel sessions, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange perspectives on financing, technology adoption, farmer engagement, project scalability, and long-term sustainability.
Innovative Solutions from Industry
A dedicated pitch session provided Indian and German companies with an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions and identify potential areas for cooperation.
Representatives from Science for Society Techno Services (S4S Technologies), ZWC Solutions, InSolare Energy, MicroEnergy Credits, Anheuser Busch InBev India, HUMINTECH, Green Gene Enviro Protection & Infrastructure, I AM HYDRO, and Plantix presented initiatives spanning sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, carbon finance, water management, waste management, digital technologies, and circular economy solutions.
Several common themes emerged across the presentations. Companies highlighted the need for stronger technology transfer, blended finance mechanisms, and long-term partnerships capable of scaling successful solutions.
Many presenters also stressed the importance of strengthening direct business-to-business engagement between Indian and German companies, supported by enabling policy frameworks, trust-building mechanisms, and more accessible financing instruments.
Looking Ahead
In her closing remarks, Barbara Schäfer, Head of Division South Asia at BMZ, encouraged participants to continue sharing recommendations and project ideas that could contribute to future cooperation initiatives. She expressed confidence that Indo-German cooperation would continue to deepen despite global economic and geopolitical uncertainties. To that end, she announced a questionnaire to be shared after the event to enable sharing information, re-connecting and cooperating.
Concluding the event, Ruchika Drall, Deputy Secretary MoEFCC, highlighted the value of creating dedicated platforms for interaction between policymakers, businesses, and development partners. She also referred to the upcoming Indo-German Environment Forum planned in India later in 2026 and emphasised the importance of building climate-resilient and localised supply chains while simultaneously strengthening international cooperation.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, providing participants with further opportunities for exchange and partnership-building. As the first in a broader series of sector dialogues, the event laid the foundation for continued engagement between Indian and German stakeholders and reinforced the shared commitment of both countries to advancing sustainable, low-emission and climate-resilient economic development.
