New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of concern for both India and Germany, and New Delhi stands ready to make every possible contribution towards the restoration of peace.
In his address, during the visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, PM Modi said that India has always maintained that war cannot solve any problem at all.
He said that in this period of global tension, conflict, and uncertainty, the strategic partnership between India and Germany has emerged as a strong anchor.
“The India-German partnership is not a transactional relationship; but a transformational partnership between two capable and strong democracies—a partnership that is contributing to building a stable, secure, and sustainable future for the global community and humanity.
“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.
“We also 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.
“India and Germany will continue to actively cooperate in this direction,” the PM added. India and Germany are part of the G4 nations along with Japan and Brazil, who back each other’s bids for permanent seats on the UNSC.
PM Modi welcomed the “Focus on India” strategy released last week by Germany.
PM Modi said he is pleased that the two sides are taking many new and important initiatives to expand and elevate the partnership. “We are moving from a whole-of-government approach to a whole-of-nation approach.”
“Industries from both countries are connecting innovators and young talent. Democratizing technology is our shared commitment,” the PM said, adding that the Roadmap on Innovation and Technology is being released which will further strengthen the cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Clean Energy.
He said their participation in the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, and the CEOs Forum will strengthen their cooperation even further.
“Our efforts to diversify and de-risk our economies will gain momentum, helping to create secure, reliable, and trusted supply value chains.”
In line with their commitment to climate action, the two sides have created a platform for global investment in renewable energy, and the released the Green Hydrogen Roadmap.
PM Modi said that the two sides have decided to work together in skills development and vocational education, and an agreement has been signed between IIT Chennai and Dresden University, which will allow Indian students to take advantage of a Dual Degree program.
“India’s young talent is contributing to the progress and prosperity of Germany. We welcome the “Skilled Labour Strategy” released by Germany for India. I am confident that our young talent pool will get better opportunities to contribute to Germany’s development. I congratulate Chancellor Scholz for his faith in the capacity and capability of Indian talent,” he said.
PM Modi said the German Chancellor’s India visit has given new momentum, energy, and enthusiasm to the bilateral partnership. “I can confidently say that our partnership has clarity, and the future is bright.”
The two sides also inked a number of agreements: Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters, Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information, Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap, Roadmap on Innovation and technology, Joint Declaration of Intent in the Field of Employment and Labour, Joint Declaration of Intent for Joint Cooperation in Research and Development on Advanced Materials, MoU on Cooperation in the field of Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training, Joint Declaration of Intent on the Indo-German Green Urban Mobility Partnership for All.
UNI
