Editorial 1: The silver jubilee of a strategic partnership
Context
The Germany-India partnership is a strong and diverse relationship that has grown over time, and there is a lot of hope for what the future holds.
Introduction
This month, India and Germany are celebrating 25 years of strategic partnership. It is a strong and steadily growing relationship, ready to face the challenges of today’s world. Germany’s ‘Focus on India’ strategy shows its vision for the future of this close bond. The new German Coalition Treaty, along with early phone calls between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as between Foreign Ministers Johann Wadephul and S. Jaishankar, make it clear — we will continue strengthening this partnership and work closely together. Our relationship is diverse, but it mainly rests on four key pillars: peace, prosperity, people, and the future of our planet.
A shared vision
Peace and Stability
| Key Parameters | |
| Shared Vision | India and Germany both want a peaceful, stable, and rules-based world. |
| Political Trust | The Intergovernmental Consultations serve as a unique platform that strengthens government-to-government ties. |
| Defence Cooperation | Our defence partnership has grown strongly in recent years. |
| Joint Exercises | The Tarang Shakti Exercise (2024) in Sulur, Tamil Nadu showed great coordination between Indian and German pilots. |
| Future Plans | Expect closer defence industry ties and more strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. |
Prosperity and Economic Growth
- Beyond Just GDP
- Prosperity means helping people find good jobs, support their families, and live better lives.
- German Investment in India
- About 2,000 German companies operate in India.
- They have created 750,000+ jobs for Indians.
- Tech and Infrastructure Partnership
- Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail: Operated by Indians trained by Deutsche Bahn (Germany’s national railway).
- Shows how young Indian talent is part of modern infrastructure success.
- Indian Companies in Germany
- A growing number of Indian firms are part of Germany’s high-tech supply chains.
- Resilient Supply Chains
- Despite global trade issues, these integrated networks show the trust between the two countries.
- EU-India Free Trade Agreement could further boost economic ties.
Science, Technology & Sustainability
- Joint Research
- Indian researchers are working in Germany’s top institutes.
- Joint research is helping solve real-world problems.
- Tech for the Environment
- With the right tech, environmental issues can become new business opportunities.
People-to-People Connections
| Key Highlights | Details |
| Heart of the Partnership | People give life and meaning to the strategic relationship. |
| Indians in Germany | A growing number of Indians now live in Germany. |
| Students | Over 50,000 Indian students study in German universities — now the largest foreign student group. |
Life Stories and Mutual Growth
- Experience Exchange
- Many Indian students study, gain work experience, and earn well in Germany.
- Some return to India to build careers and families.
- Others stay in Germany, raise families, and contribute to the society and economy.
- Digital Connections
- Young Indians actively share their German experiences online.
- Their stories show how Indians adapt and thrive in a new country.
- Contributions to Germany
- Indians in Germany are adding value to both the economy and culture.
Language as a Bridge
| Area | Insights |
| Learning German | More opportunities will open for Indians who learn the German language. |
| German Language in India | There’s high interest in German across India. We need more trained teachers to meet this demand. |
| Indians Learning German | Unlocks jobs, education, and integration benefits in Germany. |
Germans in India – The Next Step
- Reverse Exchange Needed
- More Germans should come to study, work, and do business in India.
- Need more people who understand Indian languages and culture.
- Future Vision
- Investing in the youth of both countries will strengthen the partnership for the next 25 years and beyond.
Green development
- Planet Earth is our shared ecological lifeline and is crucial for securing our future livelihoods.
- Our partnership on environmental challenges is one of the most important areas of Indo-German cooperation.
- In 2022, Germany committed €10 billion in preferential loans and grants to India over 10 years.
- This forms the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP).
- Focus areas of cooperation include:
- Renewable energy
- Biodiversity protection
- Smart city projects
- Private sector collaboration is also playing a key role in green development.
- During a recent visit to Gujarat, large-scale solar and wind energy projects were observed.
- The projects showcased massive ambition, with solar panels and windmills in every direction.
- German companies contribute by manufacturing parts like rotor blades for wind turbines.
- Through advanced German technology, the goal is to support India’s energy transition.
- This partnership also contributes to India’s fast-growing economy.
Conclusion
The India-Germany strategic partnership, built on pillars of peace, prosperity, people, and the planet, has grown stronger over 25 years. With shared goals, deep people-to-people ties, strong economic cooperation, and joint green initiatives, the partnership is future-ready. As both nations invest in youth, innovation, and sustainability, they are poised to lead global progress together in the years ahead.
Editorial 2: Energy and efficiency
Context
India must lower its power consumption by improving energy efficiency.
Introduction
India’s power sector has witnessed commendable growth, especially with rapid renewable energy integration in recent years. However, a widening peak power deficit highlights persistent supply challenges. As the country grapples with rising energy demand driven by urbanisation and climate pressures, enhancing energy efficiency emerges as the most viable and cost-effective solution to ensure energy security and sustainable development.
India’s Power Paradox: Rising Supply but Rising Demand Gaps
Growth in Power Generation vs. Peak Demand Deficit
- India has seen robust growth in electricity generation over the past two decades.
- The last five years witnessed rapid expansion in renewable energy capacity.
- Yet, India is struggling to meet its peak power demand.
| Year | Peak Power Deficit |
| FY20 | 0.69% |
| FY24 | ~5% |
- The widening deficit reveals systemic supply constraints, especially:
- Long gestation periods for new power generation (especially fossil-fuel based).
- Challenges in integrating renewable energy into the existing grid.
The Need for Energy Efficiency: Fastest & Cheapest Solution
- Energy efficiency is the quickest and most cost-effective approach to:
- Lower power demand.
- Combat climate change.
- Holistic energy efficiency measures are essential to address the gap between supply and peak demand.
A Decade of UJALA: India’s LED Revolution
UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)
- Launched: 2015
- Impact: Reduced cost of LED bulbs from ₹500 to ₹70.
- Widespread adoption in households across India.
| Metric | Figures (as of Jan 2025) |
| LED Bulbs Distributed by Govt. | 37 crore |
| Additional LED Bulbs Sold | ~407 crore |
| Estimated Cost Savings | Over $10 billion |
| Generation Capacity Avoided | ~9,500 MW (≈ 19 coal plants) |
Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP)
- Implemented alongside UJALA.
- LED streetlight installations: 1.34 crore+ units.
- Target areas: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Gram Panchayats.
- Impact: Reduced peak demand by 1,500 MW+.
Why LEDs Matter: Efficiency Comparison
| Bulb Type | Power Consumption (vs. LED) |
| LED | 1x (baseline) |
| Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) | 2x |
| Incandescent Bulb | 9x |
- Significant cost savings for households.
- Major reduction in electricity consumption and carbon emissions.
Broader Energy Efficiency Measures & Their Impact
- Legislative Foundation: Energy Conservation Act, 2001 – Key enabler of energy efficiency initiatives.
- Gains from Energy Efficiency (2000–2018)
| Parameter | Impact |
| Energy Demand Reduction | 15% avoided |
| CO₂ Emissions Avoided | ~300 million tonnes |
| Source | International Energy Agency |
The Growing Challenge: Rising Energy Demand
- Urbanisation & rising temperatures driving cooling demand.
- Peak power demand (2024): Reached 250 GW.
- India is now the 3rd largest power consumer globally (after China and USA).
- Energy Mix & Future Coal Dependence
| Energy Source | Share in Output |
| Coal | ~70% |
| Planned Additions | +90 GW by 2032 |
Way Forward: Sector-Wise Energy Efficiency Mandates
- Urgent need for sectoral efficiency mandates in:
- Buildings (design and insulation).
- Home appliances (cooling, lighting, heating).
- SMEs (small and medium enterprises).
- Target: Improve efficiency, reduce reliance on coal, and stabilize peak demand sustainably.
Conclusion
While India remains committed to expanding power generation, especially through coal and renewables, it must prioritize energy efficiency across sectors. Programs like UJALA and SLNP have shown transformative impact. Scaling similar initiatives in buildings, appliances, and MSMEs will be vital to reduce peak demand, lower emissions, and avoid costly infrastructure investments—making efficiency the cornerstone of India’s energy future.
