Themed “Positioning Partnerships”, this year’s ‘India Week Hamburg’ will spotlight the growing synergy between India and Germany across key sectors including business, culture, society, and knowledge.
The German port city of Hamburg is all set to turn into a bustling epicentre of Indian culture, enterprise, and innovation as it hosts the 11th edition of India Week Hamburg from June 23 to June 29. Themed “Positioning Partnerships”, this year’s event will spotlight the growing synergy between India and Germany across key sectors including business, culture, society, and knowledge.
According to an official release issued on Tuesday, over 70 events have been planned throughout the week, making it one of the most comprehensive Indo-German exchanges to date. The celebration seeks to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation in areas ranging from economic collaboration and skilled migration to green technology and inclusive growth.
The week-long celebration will officially begin on June 23 with a high-level Senate Reception at the historic Hamburg City Hall. The ceremonial kickoff will include keynote addresses by Ajit Gupte, Ambassador of India to Germany, and Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India. Lending star power and cultural gravitas to the proceedings, renowned Indian actress Shabana Azmi will also deliver a keynote address, reflecting on the shared democratic and cultural values that underpin the Indo-German relationship.
Business and innovation in focus
A cornerstone of the week’s programming is the Hamburg India Business Day on June 24, co-hosted by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and leading Hamburg-based businesses. The forum will zero in on innovation, logistics, and trade dynamics, aiming to boost bilateral economic engagements amid a rapidly evolving global economy.
Later that evening, the German-Indian Innovation Night will turn the spotlight on emerging tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, startups, and cross-border innovation ecosystems. Entrepreneurs, investors, and technologists from both countries will share insights and explore joint ventures.
India Week Hamburg is not just about boardrooms and business—it’s equally a celebration of India’s vibrant culture and social fabric. On June 29, the city will host “Curry and Culture – India Food Fest”, a large public event offering the sights, sounds, and flavours of India through regional cuisines, dance performances, live music, and art exhibits by Indian and German creators.
Other cultural highlights include Ayurveda workshops, exhibitions on traditional Indian knowledge systems, and panels on modern-day societal challenges, including LGBTQIA+ inclusion, gender diversity in green jobs, and legal reforms.
Bridging two knowledge systems
In keeping with the theme of partnership, the Knowledge pillar of the event will feature dialogues on sustainable urban mobility, the role of SMEs in Indo-German trade, and the integration of skilled migrants into the European workforce. Academic and research institutions from both nations will participate in panel discussions and networking forums to promote knowledge-sharing and future collaborations.
Launched in 2007, India Week Hamburg has grown into a biennial institution, showcasing the richness and complexity of Indo-German ties. It reflects Hamburg’s long-standing commitment to deepening its relationship with India, with past editions drawing widespread participation from diplomats, industry leaders, scholars, and cultural ambassadors.
This year’s edition, organisers say, is expected to be the most comprehensive yet—an “Indo-German Davos” of sorts, bringing together policy, practice, and people.
“The event highlights not just India’s economic dynamism but also its soft power through food, art, and dialogue. It’s a platform for Hamburg to reaffirm its global outlook while acknowledging India’s role as a critical partner in addressing 21st-century challenges,” the organisers said.
With Indo-German relations witnessing a fresh wave of momentum under strengthened diplomatic ties, India Week Hamburg 2025 arrives at an opportune time to celebrate, reimagine, and renew one of the most significant international partnerships in the modern world.
