Karlsruhe, July 17, 2024 – The City of Karlsruhe, in partnership with the Karlsruhe Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), hosted the India Business Day under the theme "India in Transition – Opportunities for the Future." With around 140 participants, the event provided a platform for discussing opportunities and challenges in strengthening business ties with India. Politics, academia, and industry experts shared their insights and experiences on market entry, legal frameworks, exports, and successful collaborations with Indian business partners.

Strengthening Ties with Maharashtra

After an opening by IHK President Wolfgang Grenke, Minister of State Dr. Florian Stegmann delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of the long-standing partnership between Baden-Württemberg and Maharashtra. He highlighted the role this partnership plays in addressing the skilled labor shortage in Baden-Württemberg, saying, "With our long-standing country partnership, we have already created a strong connection. The focus is on attracting skilled workers—an important political step to support companies from Baden-Württemberg and to counteract the shortage of labor and skilled workers in the long term."

A Historic Partnership: India and Germany

Prof. Dr. Manuel Vermeer underscored the deep-rooted historical connection between India and Europe, noting that Indian culture has long influenced European thought leaders, including Voltaire, Goethe, and Schopenhauer. Citing India’s rich philosophical and cultural history, Vermeer encouraged participants to embrace the cultural diversity India offers. "There is much to gain from understanding India's cultural diversity—including fostering trust with Indian business partners," he said.

Jugaad: India’s Key to Innovation

Dr. Anamika Datta, an expert with over 10 years of experience in eCommerce in India and Europe, introduced the concept of Jugaad, an innovative, frugal approach to problem-solving that has become synonymous with Indian ingenuity. "Adversities such as scarce resources are seen as opportunities, forcing people to think and act flexibly," she explained. This adaptability, she argued, is one of the reasons why Indian professionals have become leaders in the global tech industry.

Industry Success Stories

Patrick Seitz, Managing Director of aluplast GmbH, shared his company’s nearly 20-year journey of success in India, from market entry to the expansion of local production facilities. Reflecting on their early days, Seitz said, "We used to rely on the IHK, AHK, or consultants to understand market entry in India—now we can share our own success story."

Similarly, Friedemann Edel from GMT Gummi-Metall-Technik GmbH spoke passionately about his 10 years managing the company’s Indian production site. His enthusiasm for India resonated with the audience, as he emphasized the potential for long-term growth and success in the Indian market.

Academic and Research Cooperation

The event also highlighted academic ties between Germany and India. Prof. Dr. Thomas Hirth, Vice President for Transfer and International Affairs at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), detailed the ongoing collaborations with 22 Indian partner institutions across various fields. He emphasized the importance of student exchanges, research initiatives, and KIT’s involvement in the Advisory Board of the German House for Research and Innovation (DWIH) in New Delhi.

The Importance of Understanding India's Diversity

Former German ambassador to India, Walther J. Lindner, closed the event by reflecting on India’s unique complexities. "Every fifth person in the world is Indian," he reminded the audience, emphasizing the country's size and diversity. He noted the importance of understanding India's diverse cultures, languages, and religions for successful collaboration.

Lindner concluded by inviting participants to experience India for themselves, saying, "There is a lot to discover when you get to know India."