This weekend, the German trade hub opened the gateway to India at Hamburg’s Port Anniversary, the world’s largest port festival. Once again, both countries displayed their close relationship as India presented itself to more than 1.5 million visitors at the INDIA FESTIVAL.

Launch of “Days of India in Germany – Connecting Cultures”

India’s Commerce Minister, Anand Sharma, and Hamburg’s Mayor, Olaf Scholz, opened the three-day PORT ANNIVERSARY HAMBURG, thus kicking off the “Days of India in Germany – Connecting Cultures”. In 2011, Germany and India celebrated the 60th anniversary since establishing diplomatic relations and are now continuing a programme that was launched at Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 2011 visit to India, marking the “Year of Germany in India”.

Indian arts and crafts and the world’s largest ship christening ceremony

At the INDIA FESTIVAL, about two million German visitors to the port festival could gain an insight into this year’s partner country. Alongside music, dance, craftwork and culinary delights, the festival also offered information on tourism, and economic and scientific co-operations. Highlights of the 823th port anniversary included the spectacular christening ceremony of the AIDAmar, turning Hamburg’s port into the world’s largest baptismal font.

Hamburg and India – a long-standing, sustainable partnership

Trade relations between Hamburg and India date back to the 16th century. Hamburg is Germany’s gateway to India: each year, 300,000 containers to and from India are handled in Hamburg; the trade volume approximates €1.3 billion. Hamburg and India maintain excellent relations in politics, business, science and culture. About 2,500 people with Indian origins are living in Hamburg; 35 Indian companies are based in Hamburg, and 570 Hamburg companies are involved in trade with India.