Imagine a man who worked as a dishwasher to fund his education might soon become the first Indian-origin person in the German Parliament (Bundestag) on the Conservative Party CSU’s ticket in Germany.
This is the incredible journey of Siddharth Mudgal, a Jaipur-born, who came to Germany 21 years ago to make a difference—a difference he has undoubtedly made.
Early Years
Speaking to NewsMobile, Mudgal remembers his earlier days in the new country, “Germany’s meticulous efficiency and structured systems, which initially felt overwhelming but soon became qualities I deeply admired. When I arrived 21 years ago as a student, I worked as a dishwasher to fund my education. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me the value of hard work and resilience.”
However, Mudgal admits him working as a dishwasher sounded almost comical to his family back home in India, as the job was unfamiliar at the time.
Mudgal started from scratch and climbed the corporate and political ladder.
In 2010, Home Minister Joachim Herrmann recognised his extraordinary contributions by granting him early discretionary citizenship.
Seven years later, in 2017, he received one of the highest honours from Federal President Joachim Gauck, a heartfelt acknowledgement of his dedication to German society.
His LinkedIn profile throws an insight into over twenty years of international leadership at companies such as Amazon, BMW, SAP, and HelloFresh.
Primary Focus: If Elected
The German parliamentary elections, or Bundestag elections, are scheduled for February 23, 2025. So, if elected to the prestigious chair, Mudgal would need to deal with a list of issues once his tenure begins.
“My primary focus will be on revitalising the German economy and creating jobs, cutting bureaucracy, and fostering innovation. We need investments from partner countries to create jobs in Germany.
The Mittelstand – the backbone of our economy – is being strangled by taxes and red tape. My focus will be to implement tax reliefs, establish national tech hubs, and ensure Germany reclaims its position as a global leader in innovation.”
On International Students
Creating a welcoming environment for international students is also a priority for Mudgal. “Germany must become the top destination for the brightest minds globally. To achieve this, we must streamline visa processes, ensure timely approvals for students and increase scholarships, particularly in STEM fields. Facilitating family reunification for students and professionals is crucial for attracting top talent and ensuring long-term commitment to our country. Creating a welcoming environment for international students will enrich Germany’s academic institutions and contribute to our economy and innovation ecosystem.”
On Migration Policies
Like other global leaders, Mudgal believes migration must serve the dual purpose of addressing labour shortages and maintaining societal harmony.
“I strongly advocate for fast-track visas with a maximum processing time of six weeks for critical sectors like IT and healthcare. The recent changes in migration law allowing Blue Card holders (post-March 1, 2024) to bring their parents as dependents are a positive step. However, these rights must be extended to earlier migrants and German citizens, provided they can demonstrate financial capability and arrange for medical insurance. Such policies will enhance fairness and equity in the system while addressing practical realities faced by migrant families. Security, however, must remain non-negotiable. We need robust mechanisms to prevent misuse of the system while fostering integration through mandatory language acquisition and cultural orientation programmes.”
On The Political Road
What made Mudgal join politics?
“Party leaders Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder have emphasised that Germany needs experts to revive the economy and craft forward-thinking policies. This resonates deeply with me. As a technocrat with global leadership experience, I bring solutions that Germany urgently needs: decisive action, accountability, and results-driven strategies. Politics should never be about personal power; it is a profound commitment to public service. I stepped into this role not out of ambition but because I could no longer stand by as the foundations of our prosperity crumble. Having worked in high-stakes environments worldwide, I’ve seen what drives success and leads to failure. My expertise in restructuring, innovation, and leadership uniquely equips me to tackle the challenges we face today. Now is the time for bold, innovative, and decisive action to ensure Germany’s future remains strong and secure,” said Mudgal.
On India-Germany Relationship
In 2016, Mudgal founded the German-Indian Business Forum. The idea behind setting up the German-Indian Association (GDIZ) and Business Forum was to bridge the cultural and economic gaps between the two nations. “India’s market of 1.4 billion people, thriving startup ecosystem, and $1 trillion digital economy offer unprecedented opportunities. By fostering bilateral trade, enabling technology transfer, and strengthening economic ties, the forum serves as a platform for policymakers and business leaders to create partnerships that enhance bilateral relations and drive economic growth in both countries.”
On Indian Diaspora In Germany
For Mudgal, the Indian diaspora is a strong community in Germany. “The Indian diaspora in Germany is growing from 100,000 two decades ago to over 300,000 today, exemplifies the power of skilled migration. Indians are among the highest-earning and best-integrated communities, contributing to critical sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering. Our diaspora isn’t just well-integrated – it thrives, driving innovation and creating jobs. Indians also embody values of hard work and adaptability, strengthening Germany’s economy and multicultural fabric.”
India-Germany relations have a strong foundation, but Mudgal feels a need to accelerate collaboration in key areas.
“Technology Transfer: Germany can collaborate with India in
cutting-edge fields like AI, green energy, and digital payments.
Bilateral Trade: Streamlining trade policies and securing €10 billion in annual investments from India will create jobs and boost innovation.
Educational Exchange: Expanding scholarships and collaborative research programs will deepen cultural understanding and foster a generation of leaders who bridge the two nations. With China’s assertiveness and geopolitical instability, India emerges as a critical ally for Germany to counterbalance global uncertainties and drive shared growth.”
Armed Forces Background Gives Mudgal An Edge Over Others
Mudgal hails from armed forces background and believes leadership is about making tough decisions under pressure. “My experience in an armed forces family instilled discipline, strategic thinking, and resilience, while my corporate career taught me how to lead transformational change from the front and deliver measurable results. From restructuring global companies to managing diverse, cross-cultural teams, I have consistently focused on outcomes.”
