Indo-German Centre

Research Centre
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Our next event

Join Indo-German Business Hub on 17 November 2026

Join Indo-German Business Hub on 17 November 2026

About Us

The Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence (IGC) is a think tank, research centre, and network that connects people and organizations interested in business relations between India and Germany. As an academic institution, it is independent and impartial but always close to the real world. It was founded in 2021 at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and is a registered association under German law (“eingetragener Verein”) with non-profit tax status. The daily business of the Centre is run by the Managing Board.

Format & focus

Mission

We foster a deeper understanding and more robust business ties between Germany and India. We support and engage in research, community-building, student mobility, and leadership development. As an academic institution associated with one of Germany’s leading Business Schools, we are a nonpartisan partner of our members.

Vision

Germany and India are the largest stable democracies in Europe and Asia. We believe in the value of free trade and intellectual exchange between these two like-minded countries. The Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence aims to become the preeminent nonpartisan academic institution dealing with Indo-German business relations.

Format & focus

Mission

We foster a deeper understanding and more robust business ties between Germany and India. We support and engage in research, community-building, student mobility, and leadership development. As an academic institution associated with one of Germany’s leading Business Schools, we are a nonpartisan partner of our members.

Vision

Germany and India are the largest stable democracies in Europe and Asia. We believe in the value of free trade and intellectual exchange between these two like-minded countries. The Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence aims to become the preeminent nonpartisan academic institution dealing with Indo-German business relations.

Managing Board & Team

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Fatma Dirkes, Chairperson

Fatma Dirkes is Chairperson for the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence. She is Vice President and Head of Professional & Executive Education at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.

Fatma has been instrumental in shaping Frankfurt School’s advisory and global education programmes; notably leading the development of the e-Campus online learning platform, enhancing the School’s ability to deliver innovative research, consulting, and educational initiatives across more than 90 countires. This work has been supported by major institutional donors such as the ADB, AfDB, EU, EIB, EBRD, and KFW.

Through her role at Frankfurt School’s International Advisory Services, Fatma has driven significant strides in advancing financial education and capacity building in India, in sectors such as microfinance, renewable energy, and financial inclusion. Her work has implemented projects that have shown significant impact, in collaboration with key partners in India.

Fatma achievements and experiences drive her knowledge of India and Germany and the collaborative potential both in-country and with an international perspective.

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Kasturi Dadhe, Managing Board Member

Dr. Kasturi Dadhe is a committed and inspiring leader with a robust academic background and extensive professional experience in multi-government, business, and civil society settings. She recently completed her Executive MBA at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, earning a place on the Dean’s List for academic excellence.

She is currently the Vice President of Business Development and Government Affairs at Dr. Wamser + Batra, where she supports European and international companies in planning, implementing, controlling and optimising their business activities and projects in India.

Her previous roles include Director of Investment Promotion at FrankfurtRheinMain GmBH, Marketing Officer and Education Officer at the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt, where she worked towards strengthening Indo-German trade relations. Kasturi also co-founded mera Tierra GmbH, facilitating market entry for Indian handicraft artists, and successfully managed Dadhe Marketing & Distribution Pvt. Ltd. in India.

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Devender Maggo, Managing Board Member

Devender brings over two decades of experience in the financial industry, with specialized expertise in the Indo-German corridor. He is currently focused on developing a robust financial ecosystem to support the transition of students and skilled migrants from South Asia to Germany.

In his previous role, he was instrumental in establishing ICICI Bank in Germany, where he led European corporate operations and retail banking.

Beyond his current endeavors, he advises startups and established enterprises, offering strategic insights and guidance. He is an alumnus of WHU and the Kellogg School of Management and an active member of the Rotary community.

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Siri Duddupudi, Project Manager

Siri Duddupudi is a Project Manager for the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence. Parallel to this, she is a Programme Coordinator and Study Advisor for Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance at the Professional and Executive department, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.

Siri holds a Research Master’s degree in Anglophone Studies, and has a robust background in Marketing, Advertising, and Events.

A passionate advocate for international student cooperation, Siri has been actively involved with AIESEC Frankfurt, fostering student exchange between India and Germany, and also drawing on her personal experiences to foster the collaboration and understanding in Indo-German relations.

PARTNERS

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Membership

The Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence is open to individuals, companies, and organizations who want to support research, exchange, and engagement between India and Germany. All membership applications are subject to approval by the Managing Board.

As a member, you become an integral part of the IGC and actively support its mission and work. Through your vote in the membership assembly, you can shape the Centre’s activities and future direction. Other benefits include preferential access to the IGC events and exclusive content and networking opportunities.

Individuals

Admission fee: 50 EUR
Annual membership fee: 100 EUR

Institutions (companies and organizations)

For institutional membership inquiries, please contact S.Duddupudi@fs.de.

Membership fees are payable in advance for the calendar year. In the year of joining, 1/12 of the annual membership fee is charged for each month from the beginning of membership. The amount of membership fees for companies is based on their turnover in the previous year. The IGC is entitled to demand appropriate proof (e.g. annual financial statements). The IGC has been recognised as a non-profit organisation by the Frankfurt am Main III tax office on 10 June 2021. Membership fees and donations are tax-deductible.

The Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence is a registered association under German law governed by its Articles of Association. The German tax authorities have granted it non-profit tax status (“Gemeinnützigkeit”). Its central decision bodies are the Membership Assembly and the Managing Board. An Advisory Council of eminent personalities supports and guides the IGC’s work.

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Contact us!

Have questions about the Indo-German Centre, our activities, or collaboration opportunities? We are happy to assist you. Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, industry partner, or simply interested in learning more, feel free to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

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