The resumption of discussions will be a key issue on the table for talks during a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to India starting on Sunday given that this is an issue “close to her heart”, Ney said at a media briefing. “They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of common concern”, it said in a statement.
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Representatives from the troubled German vehicle maker Volkswagen, embroiled in a scandal over rigging of diesel emissions tests in the USA, will not among those coming to India with Merkel, Ney said.
Sources have told ET that two major projects on clean energy are likely to be signed when Merkel leads a delegation of six cabinet ministers to New Delhi next week for Inter-Governmental Consultations (IRC). Reportedly, Germans are hopeful that having lost to the French in the Rafale aircraft deal, they will get lucky while meeting the demands of the Indian Navy. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will meet German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeir and also call on the Chancellor. “You could consider this a joint cabinet meeting of our two governments”, Ney said. Modi and Merkel had last met in Germany during the Hannover Messe fair in April.
This is the third such interaction between the two governments; the past two took place in 2011 in India and 2013 in Germany.
“Since taking up this format of cooperation, Indo-German relations have been on a steady upswing”. “In a few regards, you could even say on a steep upswing”. “The deliverables will cover the areas of security, economy, development cooperation, climate, clean energy…And food security”.
“Four days ahead of the big event, we are full of excitement and anticipation”.
Ney said almost 1,700 German companies were already doing business in India and more were interested to follow suit. Dr. Merkel will fly to Bengaluru to spend the third day of her trip touring German enterprises in India’s Silicon Valley.
Differences over the lack of access for Indian professionals to EU’s labour market and high taxes imposed on liquor and vehicle imports from Europe have thwarted efforts to reach an accord that would boost trade between India and the EU.
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Both sides are also going to try and hammer out a solution on how to resume the long-pending India-European Union (EU) free trade agreement or Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), the talks for which started in 2007. Germany’s acknowledged competencies in manufacturing, skilling, high technology, clean energy, water and waste management etc. provide a robust foundation for enhanced partnerships in a range of priority areas, said MEA.
