Modi and Scholz held talks to strengthen India-Germany ties, signing agreements on defence, trade, and clean energy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held wide-ranging discussions on Friday to bolster strategic ties between the two countries.
Scholz endorsed a free trade agreement between India and the European Union, saying it would benefit “all sides”.
“There is enormous potential to further build and expand trade and investment between both our economies. And as chancellor, I strongly favour an ambitious free trade agreement between India and the European Union,” Scholz said.
The bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi took place during Scholz’s three-day visit to India, during which he is co-chairing the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC).
Scholz noted that Germany is India’s biggest trading partner within the EU, and he is determined to strengthen strategic ties in an attempt to counter China’s growing influence on the West.
The pair signed agreements on increased cooperation in defence, trade, clean energy and information technology.
Germany has not traditionally had close defense ties with India, but Modi has said in the past that there’s unrealized potential on defense cooperation.
On Saturday, Scholz will visit a German frigate and a supply ship participating in joint German-Indian naval exercises in the southern state of Goa.
Scholz: ‘No one can close their eyes’ to Ukraine
Germany is one of Ukraine’s leading allies, and other Western partners have voiced that they want India to be more active in persuading Moscow to end the war in Ukraine.
Modi has so far avoided condemning Russia and instead urges diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Scholz said Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine affects Germany and India, adding that “no one can close their eyes to this conflict and its effects.”
“I expressly support India advocating a lasting and just peace, and I am glad of its readiness to use its reliable relations with all parties to contribute to a political solution of the conflict,” he added.
Speaking on the skilled Indian workforce in Germany, Scholz applauded the migration and mobility agreement between the two nations.
He said that nearly 250,000 Indian citizens live in Germany, and many skilled workers work in sectors with urgent needs, such as medicine, nursing care and IT.
The German chancellor said there was “good progress” in attracting skilled labour, but he is determined to further “enthuse even more skilled workers” from India to work in these sectors.
Earlier, Modi announced that Germany will increase visas for the skilled Indian workforce from 20,000 to 90,000.
Additional sources • AP
