Leaders of India and Germany navigated through a very packed schedule on Friday to sign legal assistance treaty in criminal matters and an agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified documents.
The mutual legal assistance Treaty will further bolster joint efforts to combat terrorism and separatist elements.
The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz third visit to India in two years has turned out to be productive as it has yielded exchange of documents on Green Hydrogen road map and another road map on Innovation and Technology.
Ministers on both sides also signed two crucial declarations of intent in the field of employment and labour and Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All.
In a statement at the joint Press conference in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi explained that the growing cooperation in defence and security sectors is a symbol of deep mutual trust between the two countries.
The German Chancellor who arrived on Thursday on a three-day official visit, also highlighted plans to bring both countries’ militaries closer through enhanced defense collaboration.
Germany has accorded a special status to India to accelerate approvals for military purchases, German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann said on Wednesday.
He added that the German seller is awaiting the Indian government to complete its decision making processes with regard to the P-75I submarine deal.
On Friday, an MoU was also signed on cooperation in the area of skill development and vocational education and training.
In his statement, Modi further said that the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of concern for both countries.
The Prime Minister used the opportunity to reiterate that India has always maintained that war cannot solve any problem at all.
He said that India stands ready to make every possible contribution towards the restoration of peace.
“We both agree on ensuring freedom of navigation and adherence to the rule of law in accordance with international laws in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Modi said that India and Germany agree that the Global Forums created in the twentieth century are not capable of addressing challenges of the twenty-first century.
“There is a need for reforms in various multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council,”he said.
India and Germany will continue to actively cooperate in this direction.
The German Chancellor put out a post on X supporting India in advocating peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Chancellor Scholz spoke about India’s role in promoting stability, particularly amid intensifying global conflicts.
“Especially in times like these, it is of the utmost importance that India is an anchor of stability in South Asia.
He said that the international rules-based order has come under massive pressure due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
The Prime Minister and the German Chancellor addressed the media after attending the CEOs Forum at Hyderabad House today.
The two leaders also addressed the Asia Pacific Conference for German Business.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi welcomed the German Chancellor to Hyderabad House for the 7th Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC).
The IGC framework launched in 2011, allows for a comprehensive review of cooperation and identification of new areas of engagement between India and Germany across various domains.
Modi drew attention to German naval ships making port calls in Goa as also friendly matches being played between hockey teams of the two countries.
Modi congratulated Chancellor Scholz for Germany’s “Focus on India” strategy, which provides a blueprint to modernize and elevate the partnership between two large democracies in the world in a comprehensive manner.
“A whole-of-government approach to Critical and Emerging Technologies, Skill Development, and Innovation has also been agreed upon. This will strengthen cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Clean Energy. It will also help in building secure, trusted, and resilient global supply value chains,” the Prime Minister said.
He further said that India and Germany are constantly working on their shared commitment to green and sustainable growth.
Modi said that people-to-people connections are an important pillar of the relationship. “Today, we have decided to work together in skills development and vocational education.”
He mentioned that an agreement signed between IIT Chennai and Dresden University, will allow Indian students to take advantage of a dual degree programme.
Modi welcomed the “Skilled Labour Strategy” released by Germany for India. He said, “I am confident that our young talent pool will get better opportunities to contribute to Germany’s development.”
He added that the German Chancellor’s visit to India has given new momentum, energy, and enthusiasm to their partnership.
Speaking at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024 in New Delhi, Scholz stressed the importance of diplomacy and legal frameworks in addressing geopolitical tensions
He said, “Let us do whatever we can to bring about political solutions to these conflicts. Solutions that are based on international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
