The Indo-German Consultative Group
The Indo-German Consultative Group (Deutsch-Indische Beratungsgruppe) was formed through an agreement between the Heads of Government of India and Germany in 1991. Under its auspices, independent personalities from both countries meet annually in order to shape ideas and initiatives for the broadest possible development of Indo-German relations.
The group consists of around 40 high-ranking Indian and German personalities from all sectors of society, such as business, culture, media and academia, as well as from parliament and government. The Consultative Group is jointly led by Arun Bharat Ram, Indian industrialist, former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Chairman of SRF Ltd., and Jürgen Fitschen, top German manager and Member of the Group Executive Committee of Deutsche Bank AG.
Enlarge image
At the Volkswagen plant in Chakan, Pune
(© dpa - Report)
From 22 – 24 October 2010, the Indo-German Consultative Group had its nineteenth annual meeting in Berlin. The vivid and open discussions of the Group on bilateral and other issues of mutual interest underlined the growing weight and depth of our relations.
The Group noted with satisfaction the significantly improved profile of India in Germany and the intensified Indo-German cooperation in many fields, including commerce, science and culture, as well as vocational training.
The group also recommended that both Governments make full use of the Year of Germany in India under the motto ‘Infinite Opportunities – Germany and India 2011-2012’, and the Year of India in Germany under the motto ‘Days of India in Germany – Connecting Minds 2012-2013’, to highlight the importance of our bilateral relations.
The Consultative Group laid down the results of its deliberations in a letter addressed to the Heads of Government of both India and Germany with a whole set of specific recommendations. Both Chairpersons of the Consultative Group met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chancellor Angela Merkel on the margins of the Indo-German Intergovernmental Consultations held in May 2011.
The next meeting of the Consultative Group is scheduled to take place in Goa early November 2011.
