The Consul General of Germany in Chennai, Michael Hasper, addressed an august gathering at the 35th anniversary of the Day of German Unity held in Chennai. At an event which provided an ideal platform to reaffirm shared values and future-oriented cooperation, Hasper spotlighted the deepening strategic, economic, and cultural ties between India and Germany.
Returning to Chennai nearly three decades after beginning his diplomatic career, Hasper said the city continues to hold a special personal significance. “Coming back now for our third posting to India feels a bit like coming home,” he remarked, recalling his first assignment in 1996. He acknowledged how both nations have evolved over the years and emphasised that “the relationship between our two countries has never been stronger than it is today.”
Speaking on the significance of German Unity Day, Hasper noted that it goes beyond a national celebration. “It is a moment to reflect on what unity, democracy, and freedom mean – not only for Germany, but for our partners and friends around the world.” He underscored that Germany and India share a firm commitment to democratic values, international cooperation, and a rules-based global order, positioning the two nations naturally as partners in an increasingly complex world.
The Consul General highlighted the breadth of Indo-German economic collaboration, spanning renewable energy, automotive innovation, engineering, and digital technologies. With Germany being India’s largest trading partner in the European Union, he reiterated that “Indo-German collaborations in thousands of companies are helping to drive progress in both our countries.”
Tamil Nadu, he observed, remains a core growth hub for German industry. The state’s strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce have drawn hundreds of German companies, with more exploring expansion. He described the recent visit of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin to Germany as a landmark development, noting that it “laid the groundwork for deeper cooperation” and helped open the door to new investments and technologies flowing into Tamil Nadu.
Hasper also drew attention to the rising engagement between individual German states and Indian states, citing Saxony’s proactive role. With the Saxon Science Liaison Office established in Chennai and a major business delegation scheduled to tour Tamil Nadu, he underscored Germany’s intent to build more state-level bridges. “This is a development we welcome and encourage,” he said.
Beyond trade, Germany’s presence in Tamil Nadu extends to education and cultural exchange. Hasper highlighted the role of institutions such as the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, DAAD, and German university partnerships. He recalled that Indo-German scientific cooperation began in Chennai with the creation of IIT Madras in the 1950s, describing it today as “an institution of extraordinary excellence”.
Closing on a forward-looking note, Hasper urged stakeholders to view the current environment as a moment of opportunity. “We have the tools, the talent, and the trust to achieve great things together,” he said, highlighting clean energy, digital transformation, sustainable development, and vocational training as key areas for collaboration.