Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Friday reaffirmed the state's commitment to strengthening India-Germany ties, saying Madhya Pradesh is poised to play a significant role in deepening the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
The remarks came during a meeting with a four-member German delegation at the Mantralaya, where discussions centred on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly in energy infrastructure and sustainable development.
A snap from the meeting
The delegation included Christiane Laibach, Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Executive Board of Germany's KfW Development Bank, Country Director Wolf Muth, German Embassy representative Gottfried von, along with other officials. Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation Limited Chandramouli Shukla, Special Secretary Gadhpale and senior officials from the Central Government were also present during the meeting.
“India, Germany are like brothers”
Highlighting the decades-old friendship between India and Germany, CM Dr Yadav described the two nations as being "like brothers" and said Madhya Pradesh is committed to taking this relationship to new heights.
He noted that the state government has been maintaining regular engagement with German industrialists and investors to attract greater investment into Madhya Pradesh. Expressing appreciation for KfW Development Bank's continued support in the energy sector, the Chief Minister said he was confident that the partnership would continue to grow stronger.
According to CM Dr Yadav, German cooperation will play an important role in helping Madhya Pradesh emerge as an energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable and economically prosperous state.
KfW signals interest in expanding financial support
During the meeting, representatives of KfW Development Bank briefed the Chief Minister on the bank's ongoing financial assistance under the Energy Reform Programme.
MP CM Dr Yadav meeting the delegates
Officials informed the meeting that the bank is currently financing projects worth nearly ₹1,120 crore for the installation of smart meters and feeder separation works across power distribution companies in Madhya Pradesh. These initiatives are aimed at improving the efficiency, reliability and management of the state's electricity distribution network.
Building on the success of the existing collaboration, KfW also expressed interest in extending financial support under Energy Reform Phase II.
Focus on power infrastructure and renewable energy
As part of the proposed second phase, the German development bank has shown interest in providing financial assistance of around €200 million for ramping up MP’s electricity distribution infrastructure.
The proposed funding would also support the development of infrastructure required to supply electricity to agricultural feeders during solar power generation hours, reinforcing the state's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.