Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai - Cooperation Between Hamburg and India
A delegation visit to Delhi, Mumbai (IIM Mumbai) and Chennai opened new perspectives for cooperation between Hamburg and India. Together with Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Dr Melanie Leonhard, and representatives from government, industry, ports, logistics, startups and universities, KLU participated in exchanges on infrastructure, digitalisation and academic partnerships.
At the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the delegation gained insight into the “Maritime Vision 2047” strategy. Plans include expanding deep-sea ports, multimodal transport corridors, hinterland connectivity and digital logistics processes — developments that will significantly shape future global supply chains.
Briefings at the German Embassy and impressions from the Indian AI Summit further highlighted the country’s technological ambition and the central role artificial intelligence plays in its transformation and growth agenda. India Positions Itself as a Global Logistics and Trade Hub.
Mumbai: Entrepreneurial Momentum and Exchange
In Mumbai, the focus shifted to entrepreneurial energy and international collaboration. Meetings with startups and established companies reflected optimism and strong investment momentum under evolving economic framework conditions.
A key highlight was the visit to the Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai), one of the leading business schools within the Indian Institutes of Management system. With strong roots in engineering, manufacturing and operations, IIM Mumbai represents a natural partner for KLU. Discussions explored concrete avenues for collaboration, including joint research in logistics and supply chain management as well as exchange formats for students and executives.
Chennai: Port Logistics in Practice
In Chennai, the delegation gained first-hand insight into modern port logistics operations. Discussions with terminal operators and the Hamburg Port Authority highlighted the strategic importance of capacity expansion, digitalisation and connectivity for future global supply chains.
Openness to closer cooperation was tangible on both sides. “Building substantive, long-term relationships is not a weakness in this context; it is a genuine asset,” said Jan Ehlers, Director Executive Education & Business Solutions at Kühne Logistics University, who joined the delegation on behalf of KLU.
Shaping Cooperation Early
Beyond the formal program, the trip strengthened collaboration within the delegation. New ideas emerged in research, training and executive education. A shared view of India as a market of the future underscored the potential of coordinated cooperation between business, government and academia.
“Those who take the time to arrive, understand dynamics, and build relationships will be able to orient themselves and benefit early on from a market that is only beginning to unfold its full potential in global supply chains,” says Jan Ehlers.
