Maharashtra and German State of Hessen Sign MoU to Deepen Economic and Tech Ties
Maharashtra and the German state of Hessen signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday in Mumbai to enhance bilateral cooperation across trade, technology, and workforce development. The agreement was signed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Hessen's Minister President Boris Rhein.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Fadnavis described Hessen as Maharashtra’s gateway to Germany and Europe, while positioning Maharashtra as Hessen’s gateway to India and the Indo-Pacific region. He stated that the partnership will boost investment, innovation, employment, and skill development.
The Joint Declaration of Intent focuses on deepening economic cooperation through sustainable economic growth, research and development partnerships, technological advancements including artificial intelligence, and skilled workforce mobility. To implement the declaration, a Joint Working Group will be established within 90 days of the signing.
The bilateral agreement encompasses four primary sectors: industry, services, information technology, and skilled manpower mobility. The cooperation is set to span multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, engineering, automotive manufacturing, financial services, logistics, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.
Rhein’s visit to Mumbai was part of a five-day tour to India, during which he led a high-level delegation to New Delhi and Mumbai to strengthen economic partnerships and attract skilled talent. Dr. Gunjan Bhardwaj, Co-Founder and CEO of Partex.AI, was among the delegation members.
Rhein commended Maharashtra's rapid infrastructure development and the environment created for global industrial and technological investment. He noted that relations between the two regions are anchored in shared values of democracy, the rule of law, multilateral cooperation, and a rules-based international system.
Fadnavis urged industries from Hessen to expand their investments in Maharashtra, while encouraging Maharashtra-based businesses to utilize Hessen as an entry point into German and European markets.
