Source: Senatskanzlei
Review of past editions of India Week Hamburg
On this page you can discover the motto, pictures and highlights of the past India Week events.
Review of India Week Hamburg 2025 - a multifaceted dialogue between two cultures
From June 23 to 29, 2025, Hamburg transformed for the eleventh time into a vibrant window to India. Over 70 diverse events spanned a wide range from business and politics to science and sport, as well as culture and society. The Hanseatic city became the stage for an intense exchange with the most populous country on earth for one week.
India Week Hamburg represented the full spectrum of German-Indian relations: while businesspeople discussed trade partnerships, scientists explored joint research projects, sports enthusiasts competed in cricket and hockey tournaments, and culture lovers immersed themselves in Indian tradition and modernity.
Senator Dr. Melanie Leonhard kicked off the event at Hamburg City Hall in front of around 500 guests from all walks of life. Film icon and human rights activist Shabana Azmi captivated the audience with her insights into India's social transformation as the keynote speaker.
Ambassador Ajit Gupte and his German colleague Dr. Philipp Ackermann acknowledged the political dimension of the partnership, while Dr. Amrita Cheema skillfully moderated the multifaceted evening.
The economic dialogue culminated in the Hamburg India Business Day on the topic of "Accelerating Economic Partnership." The innovative "Talent Talk: Skilled Professionals from India for Hamburg" explored social aspects of migration and demonstrated how Indian skilled workers are giving new impetus to demographic change.
New projects were presented at the city's research institutions and universities during India Week Hamburg, and cooperation was strengthened. Panels on foreign trade and sustainable development highlighted how both countries are working together on future solutions. Political discussions explored India's role in the multipolar world order and the importance of democratic values.
Das kulturelle Herz der Woche schlug besonders lebhaft: Im Metropolis Kino entführte die Retrospektive „Hindi-Kino der 70er Jahre“ die Zuschauer in die Blütezeit des Parallelkinos. Tanzworkshops vermittelten die Eleganz klassischer indischer Bewegungskunst, während Yoga-Sessions Körper und Geist in Einklang brachten. Die Arena Süderelbe verwandelte sich in eine Cricket-Arena, wo sich deutsche und indische Jugendteams sportlich begegneten.
Kulinarische Entdeckungsreisen führen durch die Vielfalt der indischen Küche, Ausstellungen präsentierten zeitgenössischer Kunst vom Subkontinent und Literaturlesungen ließen die Stimmen indischer Autoren erklingen. Konzerte verschmolzen traditionelle Ragas mit modernen Klängen und schufen musikalische Brücken zwischen den Kontinenten.
The social discussions address burning issues: From the role of women in India's changing society to urbanization and social justice, lively debates arose between German and Indian experts.
State Councilor Liv Assmann emphasized the importance of this holistic approach: "India Week Hamburg is a flagship project of the German-Indian partnership. It shows that genuine connections are not only measurable in trade figures, but arise from the diverse human encounters between our cultures."
India Week Hamburg 2025 impressively demonstrated: The relationship between Hamburg and India thrives on its diversity. Whether in research labs or dance studios, in conference rooms or on sports fields – new connections were formed everywhere that will have an impact far beyond a single week.
2023 – A Festive Celebration in the Hanseatic Metropolis
From November 20 to 26, 2023, the tenth edition of India Week Hamburg took place. With around 70 carefully curated events, the week offered a multifaceted insight into Indo-German relations in Hamburg. The focus was on current topics in politics, business, culture, science, and sports, authentically reflecting the diverse connections between Hamburg and India.
“Moin” and “Namaste” – this week in Hamburg was an impressive testament to the fact that dialogue and cooperation are key to fostering vibrant and sustainable relations between two dynamic cultural spheres.
The grand opening took place in the historic Hamburg City Hall. Hamburg’s First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, Indian Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, and German Ambassador to India Dr. Philipp Ackermann delivered welcome speeches. The keynote speaker was Debjani Ghosh, President of NASSCOM, the leading association of India’s technology industry. The evening was hosted by journalist Julia Niharika Sen. Their contributions highlighted the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations sustainably while also addressing the real challenges of a globally connected economy.
Numerous visitors from Hamburg and abroad took the opportunity to experience India's cultural diversity and gain new impulses for future collaboration. India Week Hamburg 2023 made it clear that true partnership also means tackling challenges together to develop forward-thinking solutions.
2021 – A Celebration Amidst Pandemic Conditions
From November 8 to 14, 2021, the ninth India Week Hamburg took place. Despite the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, a diverse program featuring over 70 events was successfully curated. Physical, digital, and hybrid formats were used to present the wide range of Indo-German relations in Hamburg.
Hamburg’s State Secretary and Plenipotentiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg to the Federal Government, the European Union, and for Foreign Affairs, Almut Möller, officially opened India Week Hamburg with around 350 guests at the City Hall.
Among the distinguished guests were journalist Julia Niharika Sen, former German Ambassador to India Walter Lindner, President of the Observer Research Foundation Dr. Samir Saran, and Rachita Bandhari, Minister at the Indian Embassy in Berlin.
Approximately 28,000 visitors from Hamburg and abroad took advantage of the opportunity to explore the Indian subcontinent, home to 18% of the world’s population. The growing importance of India was increasingly recognized in Hamburg as well, deepening relations and fostering new connections.
Looking Back at 2019
From October 28 to November 3, 2019, the Hanseatic city was illuminated in the colors of India for the eighth time. A diverse program with around 70 events covering culture, business, politics, society, science, and sports invited guests to discover, experience, and enjoy the fascinating and diverse subcontinent. The central theme was "Sustainability," with many events dedicated to this important topic. Numerous Hamburg-based India stakeholders actively participated in the program, emphasizing the strong relations between the city and India as a key partner region.
Hamburg’s First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, officially opened India Week Hamburg with around 450 guests at City Hall.
Approximately 25,000 visitors took part in the vibrant program, gaining new insights into a country rich in traditions while also emerging as a rapidly growing economy.
Attendees enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to experience India's cultural diversity through concerts, exhibitions, dance performances, Indian cooking classes, and various film screenings. Panel discussions, workshops, and conferences provided a platform for Indian and German experts to discuss current social trends and the economic potential of Hamburg-India relations.
Overall, India presented itself in Hamburg as a partner offering numerous opportunities