Germany and India Launch Pioneering AI Cooperation Pact to Boost Innovation and Responsible Development

On February 18, 2026, Germany and India solidified their AI partnership with the launch of the groundbreaking India-Germany AI Pact during the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. Indian Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Germany's Federal Minister for Digital Transformation Karsten Wildberger unveiled this flagship initiative aimed at advancing bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence across multiple key sectors.

The Pact focuses on priority areas including AI for Industry and Manufacturing, fostering partnerships and innovation in industrial applications; Trustworthy and Ethical AI, dedicated to responsible AI development and data privacy; Talent, Skills, Mobility, and Technology, which aims to boost AI skill development and professional mobility; Research, Innovation, and Infrastructure, encouraging joint research efforts and infrastructure building; and AI for Social Good, to share best governance practices and improve public service delivery.

Implementation will be driven through the established India-German Digital Dialogue framework, with designated points of contact in both countries facilitating focused work programs and exchanges. The cooperation enshrined in the Pact aligns closely with democratic values, emphasizing trust, security, and human-centric digital transformation. Both governments expressed confidence that this Pact will stimulate innovation, enhance economic growth, and promote sustainable development while ensuring AI technologies are responsibly developed.

This initiative builds on the strong partnership between Germany and India, institutionalized since 2017 and reinforced by the Work Plan 2026-2027 signed in Berlin earlier this year. A significant aspect includes setting up dedicated contact points in both countries to support the mobility of Indian students and professionals, fostering talent exchange and collaboration.

Through this Pact, Germany and India commit to shaping AI’s future collaboratively, reinforcing democratic principles while leveraging AI's transformative potential for industry and society alike.