On June 7, 2025, the city of Frankfurt am Main witnessed a landmark celebration of culture, commerce, and international cooperation as the first-ever Maharashtra Business Day was held at the iconic Saalbau Bornheim. The event brought together over 400 delegates from 7 countries, including high-ranking government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and members of the vibrant Maharashtrian diaspora across Europe.
Organized by the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt in partnership with Marathi Katta Germany e.V., this daylong event served as a powerful platform to showcase Maharashtra’s economic strengths, promote bilateral partnerships, and celebrate the shared values of progress and innovation.
Grand Opening with Cultural and Diplomatic Resonance
The day began with registration and networking over tea and coffee, as guests from various sectors interacted and exchanged ideas in a warm and inclusive setting. At 10:30 AM, the formal program commenced with a welcome note, followed by a serene and traditional rendition of “Pasaydan” performed by Mrs. Sampada Sapre, setting a spiritually rich tone for the event.
The ceremonial lamp lighting was led by an esteemed group of dignitaries, including:
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Shri. Uday Samant, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Industries and Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra
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Mr. B.S. Mubarak, Hon’ble Consul General of India in Frankfurt
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Mr. Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
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Ms. Claudia Wessner, Business Executive
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Mr. Atul Shirodkar, President, Maharashtra Economic Development Council
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Mr. Madhav Dabke, Garje Marathi Global
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Mr. Ajit Ranade, Founder, Marathi Katta Germany and MEBF
Keynote Speeches and Major Announcements
In his inspiring keynote, Mr. B.S. Mubarak emphasized the importance of Maharashtra as a key partner for Germany and Europe and lauded the initiative taken by the diaspora to build new bridges for collaboration. Following this, Shri. Uday Samant delivered a visionary address in which he made two significant announcements that will shape the future of Indo-European trade:
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The establishment of the “Maharashtra Investment Desk” in Frankfurt, to directly support European investors exploring Maharashtra as a business destination.
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A bold commitment to reserve 500 acres of industrial land in Maharashtra exclusively for German companies, symbolizing the state’s openness to global partnerships.
These announcements were met with great enthusiasm and applause, setting the tone for a day filled with opportunity.
The gathering also heard from Mr. P. Velrasu, CEO of MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation), who shared detailed insights into Maharashtra’s infrastructure, sectoral strengths, and investor support mechanisms. The presence of Mr. Shrikant Pulkundwar, Joint Secretary of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, further added to the state’s representation at the highest levels.
Launch of Maharashtra Europe Business Forum (MEBF)
One of the key highlights of the event was the official launch of the Maharashtra Europe Business Forum (MEBF) — a strategic initiative based in Frankfurt, designed to facilitate continuous economic, cultural, and professional engagement between Maharashtra and Europe.
MEBF was inaugurated by Shri. Uday Samant and Mr. B.S. Mubarak, marking a historic moment for diaspora-led institutional collaboration. Ajit Ranade, founder of MEBF, expressed gratitude and commitment on behalf of the forum, outlining its goals to support startups, facilitate investments, and mobilize the global Maharashtrian network.
Awards and Recognition
The coveted title of Business Icon 2025 was conferred upon Mr. Bharat Gite, in recognition of his entrepreneurial excellence and contribution to the business landscape. The award was presented by Shri. Uday Samant and Mr. B.S. Mubarak, followed by a brief but inspiring acceptance speech from Mr. Gite.
Engaging Panel Discussions and Insights
The afternoon sessions featured three high-impact panel discussions:
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Global Maharashtra and Industry Policy
Moderated by Madhav Dabke, with insights from Atul Shirodkar and Sachin Itkar, this session highlighted Maharashtra’s evolving industrial policy and its global relevance. -
From Roots to Reach – Women in Startups
A powerful dialogue moderated by Shilpa Gadmade, with speakers Swati Rane, Shruti Kulkarni, and Anagha Deshpande, focused on how Maharashtrian women entrepreneurs are blending tradition and innovation in the startup space. -
Indo-German Tech Roadmap
In a forward-looking panel moderated by Amit Lodhe, speakers Jitendra Joshi and Florian Rodiet discussed emerging trends in tech partnerships between Germany and Maharashtra, especially in AI, mobility, and automation.
A moving success story was shared by Mr. Netresh Rege, President and CEO of International Test Equipment, offering real-world perspective on Indo-European entrepreneurship.
European Partner Interactions and Startup Pitches
The event also featured meaningful interactions with key European institutions:
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Ms. Cornelia Gärtner from BVMW (Der Mittelstand) shared insights on connecting German SMEs with Indian partners.
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Mr. Stephan Wittekind, CEO of Innovation Hub RheinMain, emphasized the importance of innovation ecosystems and bilateral co-creation.
In the later afternoon, Simran Rohra, Innovation Manager at DHL, expertly moderated the Startup Pitch Session, where promising ventures from across Europe and India showcased their ideas to a diverse audience of stakeholders, investors, and mentors.
Community Spirit and Cultural Bonding
Throughout the day, the Marathi Katta Germany team, led by Ajit Ranade, and the dynamic Katta Sakhi volunteer group ensured that the program ran smoothly — from logistics and hospitality to cultural engagement. Their efforts created an environment of warmth, collaboration, and pride in Maharashtrian identity.
Traditional food, informal networking spaces, and child-friendly facilities also reflected the inclusive and community-focused spirit of the event.
Looking Ahead
Maharashtra Business Day 2025 in Frankfurt was not just a ceremonial gathering; it was a strategic turning point that laid the foundation for deeper, long-term cooperation between Maharashtra and Europe. The launch of MEBF, the policy announcements by the state government, and the enthusiastic participation of the diaspora and business community all signal a new era of global partnership.
For updates, upcoming events, and membership opportunities, visit www.mebf.eu and follow MEBF on LinkedIn.