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Asia
India is deemed to be the "largest democracy in the world" and, in spite of many tensions, it has remained largely stable since gaining its independence in 1947. It has a federal structure with 28 federal states and seven union territories.
In terms of population, India is the second largest country in the world. More than 1.1 billion people live on the sub-continent, most of them in rural areas. The spectrum of ethnic groups, religions and languages is wide. The economic and social differences between social groups remain vast. The caste system, formally abolished by the constitution, continues to shape everyday life. Women and girls are often disadvantaged, and child labour is widespread, especially among the lower strata of society.
India’s industrial sector is now one of the largest in the world. Besides textiles – traditionally a very important industry in India – heavy industry, mechanical engineering and chemicals predominate. The space, electronics and nuclear industries are also comparatively highly developed. Indian experts and academics from many sectors are much in demand at international level.
The gulfs that separate rich and poor are still very wide, however. The growing ranks of the prosperous middle and upper classes – comprising some 100 million people – contrast with more than 900 million people who have to live on the equivalent of less than 2.50 dollars a day. India is still the country of the world with the largest number of poor. The fight against poverty therefore remains the greatest challenge facing government and society.
On account of its great economic and political importance, India has a key role to play in finding solutions to global problems such as poverty reduction and climate change, as well as in establishing and maintaining political stability throughout South Asia. India is therefore one of the anchor countries of German development cooperation. Cooperation on development issues is an important component of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Germany and the Republic of India. Priority areas of development cooperation are the environment, energy and sustainable economic development.
German Embassy
German Embassy in New Delhi
No. 6/50G, Shanti Path
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
India
Phone: 00 91 / 11 / 44 19 91 99
Fax: 00 91 / 11 / 26 87 31 17
