The trade connections between Hamburg and India trace their roots back to the 16th century. Over time, economic ties have fostered extensive collaboration spanning the realms of science, culture, and academia. Following the Second World War, India and Germany swiftly established diplomatic relations, and soon thereafter, the consular mission in Hamburg was founded. Presently, India stands as one of Hamburg’s key partner countries in the Asia-Pacific region. These enduring and robust connections are commemorated during India Week Hamburg. The inaugural India Week Hamburg took place in 2007, originally conceived as a series of economic events but evolving into a vibrant program that showcases all facets of Indo-Hamburgian relations.

In 2023, the tenth edition of India Week Hamburg unfolded from November 20th to 26th. Featuring over 70 events spanning politics, society, science, business, culture, and sports at diverse locations across Hamburg, the event served as an excellent platform for individuals and institutions to showcase their work, establish connections, and immerse themselves in the richness of Indian culture. The event, orchestrated by the Senate Chancellery and organized by esteemed entities such as the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, the OAV, Hamburg Invest, the Hamburg Representative Office in Mumbai, the German-Indian Round Table, the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the Consulate General of the Republic of India in Hamburg, received support from valued partners including Hapag-Lloyd, Oikon Law, Eppendorf, NXP Semiconductors, Gujarat Fluorochemicals, Helm AG and Badshah Restaurant.

The inaugural ceremony was marked by the Senate Reception at Hamburg City Hall, led by the First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher. Distinguished speakers, including Ms. Debjani Ghosh (President of NASSCOM), H.E. Harish Parvathaneni (Ambassador of the Republic of India to Germany), and Dr. Philipp Ackermann (Ambassador of Germany to India), addressed the audience. The evening was further enriched by cultural performances.

A noteworthy occasion was the Hamburg India Business Day organized by the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and partners. Through engaging panel discussions, the conference delved into India’s role in a changing global economic order, its significance in the diversification strategies of German companies, and its potential as a partner in digitization and R&D. Ms. Sameeha Pradeep Sule, the Chief Representative of Hamburg in India, hosted the event. The event welcomed a delegation from India’s pivotal IT association NASSCOM, providing an excellent opportunity to connect with the Indo-German business network in Hamburg. The Hamburg Representative office in Mumbai proudly facilitated a guided visit to the Port of Hamburg for a delegation from NASSCOM, offering insights into its digitization initiatives. In addition to skilled labor exchange, another vital theme discussed during India Week was the transformative impact of startups in shaping the Indo-Hamburg entrepreneurial landscape. Beyond business-focused events, India Week also featured cultural activities such as theatrical plays, dance performances, and musical concerts, along with Yoga sessions and cooking workshops. These offerings showcased the rich tapestry of Indian heritage alongside delightful Indian cuisines.

India Week Hamburg 2023 significantly contributed to deepening the economic, cultural, political, and people-to-people ties between India and Germany, opening avenues for meaningful exchanges and growth. It underscored that myriad opportunities lie ahead of India and Hamburg, in readiness for the two partners to work together in synergy. The Hamburg Representation Mumbai is your first point of contact for all business, political and cultural exchange between India and Hamburg. For inquiries, get in touch with us at info@hamburgmumbai.com. Visit our website for more updates about the interactions between India and the Hanseatic City!