Therefore, it should come as no surprise that immigration followed. However, it is important to note "extended visits from Indians to Germany remained scarce and only very few Indians actually stayed for a longer time."10 Consequently, there are hardly any sources that deal with Indian immigration to Germany before the twentieth century. This begins to change in the early twentieth century when two particular groups of Indians started coming to Germany in larger numbers.11 First, after World War I, Indian nationalists and freedom fighters challenging British rule began exploring opportunities in Germany. This group became later known as the Indian Independence Committee, many of whose members were connected to the Indische Legion, an all Indian military unit attached to the Third Reich. However, by the 1950s Indians began immigrating in much greater numbers for academic and work ventures. Following that wave, a particularly successful type of Indian was given the opportunity to come to Germany: specifically, those who spoke English and had an academic scholarship or work related justification for their immigration, and those who, for the most part, were upper-middle class or even upper class Indians.12
In response to its widening diaspora the Indian government took a common policy approach - they made it more difficult to claim dual
The exchange of goods, products, and capital has reached new heights. In 2005, the Indo-German trade volume totalled EUR 7.6 million. German direct investments in India accounted for more than EUR 1.8 million at the beginning of 2004. Both numbers have increased significantly over the last years. Furthermore, cooperation in the realm of politics has also become of increasing importance to both countries.9
9. Gottschlich 2007
10. Gosalia 2002
11. Gottschlich 2007
12. Gosalia 2002
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