Germany shares a strong commercial, cultural and strategic relationship with India. In 2007-2008, the German-India trade stood at 12.07 billion Euros and by 2010 it is estimated to cross 30 billion Euros. Clearly, Germany is India's largest European trading partner.
India’s relationship with Germany dates back to the time of pre-independence, when Hitler proactively supported Indian radical leader Subhashchanrda Bose in forming the Indian National Army and fight the British.
Today, both countries promote joint research and development in the areas of energy, environment, coal and water technologies. In fact, Germany has been actively aiding India in education and cultural development. For instance, Germany had helped India establish Indian Institute of Technology Madras after both governments entered into an agreement in 1956. Since then, Germany armed with innovative technology and resources have been instrumental in expansion of the institute.
In 2008, the Indian navy and the German navy for the first time engaged in joint exercises, subsequent to a defense cooperation agreement signed in 2006, between the two nations.