Indian Ministry of Heavy Industries Delegation Conducts Study Visit to Germany on Machinery Safety
India
Focus on Machinery Safety and Regulatory Alignment
From 17 to 19 December 2025, a delegation from India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), led by Joint Secretary Mr. Vijay Mittal, visited Germany under the Indo-German Working Group on Quality Infrastructure. The focus of the visit was on machinery safety and aligning regulatory frameworks between India and Germany.
Insights from Leading Manufacturers
The delegation toured Krones AG, a leading German manufacturer of packaging and bottling machinery. Participants observed advanced production workflows, automation processes, and internationally recognized machinery safety standards. Discussions facilitated through the VDMA network emphasized long-term standard harmonization and regulatory convergence.
Exploring Smart Manufacturing and Product Testing
The group also visited Siemens’ Lighthouse Electronics Factory and the TÜV Rheinland testing facility in Nuremberg. These visits highlighted digital transformation initiatives, smart manufacturing practices, and rigorous product testing frameworks, providing actionable insights for enhancing India’s machinery safety regulations and quality assurance systems.
Strategic Policy Discussions
Meetings with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) focused on aligning Germany’s implementation of the EU Machinery Directive with India’s regulatory framework. Delegates also gained a deeper understanding of EU market surveillance mechanisms and explored new collaboration opportunities under the Indo-German Working Group.
Acknowledgments and Outcomes
Special acknowledgment was given to Mr. Mohit Janoiya (Bureau of Indian Standards) and Dr. Abhinav Kumar (Central Manufacturing Technology Institute) for their technical support, as well as to VDMA for organizing the programme. The visit strengthened bilateral cooperation on machinery safety, provided actionable policy insights, and highlighted opportunities to adopt global best practices in manufacturing and quality infrastructure.