Prime Minister praised Germany’s “Focus on India Strategy,” a comprehensive blueprint to modernize and elevate the partnership between the two democracies
Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Germany in the defense and security sectors, citing it as a symbol of their deep mutual trust. While addressing the Joint presser at Hyderabad House, PM Modi stated, “The growing cooperation in the defense and security sectors is a symbol of our deep mutual trust. The agreement on the exchange of classified information is a new step in this direction.”
“The Mutual Legal Assistant Treaty concluded today will strengthen our joint efforts to deal with terrorism and separatist elements,” he added.
Further, he also expressed concern about the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia and stated that it is a matter of concern for both nations. “India has always believed that problems cannot be solved by war and India is ready to make every possible contribution for the restoration of peace,” PM Modi said.
During his address, he ‘heartily’ welcomed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his delegation to India, marking their third meeting in two years. “I heartily welcome Chancellor Scholz and his delegation to India,” Modi said. “I am happy that we have got the opportunity to welcome you to India for the third time in the last 2 years. The first IGC meeting of my third term has just concluded. We are just coming from the CEO Forum meeting.”
“At the same time, the German Navy ship is making a port call in Goa and the sports world is also not behind. Friendly matches are also being played between our hockey teams. Friends, under the leadership of Chancellor Scholz, our partnership has got a new momentum and direction,” he added.
The Prime Minister praised Germany’s “Focus on India Strategy,” a comprehensive blueprint to modernize and elevate the partnership between the two largest democracies.
“I congratulate Chancellor Scholz for Germany’s Focus on India Strategy. It has a blueprint to modernize and elevate the partnership between the two largest democracies of the world in a comprehensive manner,” he said.
“A consensus has also been reached on Whole of Government initiatives in critical and emerging technology, skills, development and innovation. This will strengthen and secure cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and clean energy,” he added.
Highlighting both nations partnership, PM Modi stated that “India’s youth power is contributing to Germany’s prosperity and growth. We welcome Germany’s skilled labor strategies for India… In our (India and Germany) partnership, there is clarity and its future is bright.”
This marks Scholz’s third visit to India since he became Chancellor in 2021. In the year 2023, he visited India twice – for a bilateral state visit in February and to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September.
During the 7th Inter-Governmental Consultations, PM Modi emphasized the transformational relationship, focusing on cooperation in defense, technology, and sustainable development.
“The world is going through an era of tensions, conflicts and uncertainty. In the Indo-Pacific Region, there are serious concerns regarding the rule of law and freedom of navigation,” PM Modi said during his address.
“In a time like this, a strategic partnership between India and Germany has emerged as a strong anchor. This is not transactional relations, this is a transformational partnership of two capable and empowered democracies,” the Prime Minister said.
Lauding Germany’s “Focus on India Strategy” PM Modi said, “I am delighted that to expand and elevate our partnership, we are taking several new and important initiatives and moving from ‘Whole of Government’ to an approach of ‘Whole of Nation’…”
“This is your third visit to India, and fortunately, this is the first IGC of my third tenure. In a way, this is the triple celebration of our friendship. In the last IGC in Berlin in 2022, we made important decisions for our bilateral cooperation,” PM Modi said.
“In two years, there has been encouraging progress in various sectors of our strategic relations. Increasing cooperation in areas like defense, technology, energy, green and sustainable development have become symbols of mutual trust,” he said.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that PM Modi and German Chancellor held the 7th Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) today. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X that PM Modi and German Chancellor held the 7th Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) today.
PM Modi outlined India’s growth pillars at the conference and also emphasized the pivotal role of AI, which stands for Artificial Intelligence and ‘Aspirational India’ as described by PM Modi in the conference.
