Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Angela Merkel being welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday.
Advertisement
The energy strategy in India attempts to improve energy efficiency but makes no commitment to reduce emissions – representing its perspective that more affluent countries bear responsibility.
Modi said India considers Germany as a natural partner in its of economic transformation, adding the mechanism of Inter- Governmental Consultation is unique and that it has brought about all round growth in the bilateral ties.
Both the leaders are expected to delve deep on removing bottlenecks for expanding bilateral trade and Investments.
Easily of business being Merkel’s top priority, India agreed to give German firms similar privileged treatment that Japanese companies now receive.
“Industries say we need greater progress in order to implement these planned investments”.
The trade talks have been on ice since earlier this year when India walked out in a row over exports of generic drugs to the European Union. Germany has also agreed on a package of over €1 billion for solar projects in India.
Germany is India’s largest trading partner in Europe with German investments having crossed $8 billion a year ago, said Martin Ney, German Ambassador to India, last week. Currently, there are more than 1500 Indo-German business collaborations.
Addressing Merkel, Modi said: “Your leadership is a source of confidence and reassurance at a hard moment for Europe and the world…You have chosen to visit India despite many concerns at home”.
She will also visit Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
Indian media reports say Merkel and Modi may discuss resuming stalled India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations – a market-opening pact to boost commerce. Merkel is to also visit the Bosch unit there.
The prime minister also mentioned that he will continue his discussions with Merkel in Bengaluru, where both the leaders will be attending a business forum.
The two leaders will also visit theinnovation and skilling centres at the German company M/sBosch.
The pacts signed between the two sides will provide for cooperation in the fields of food safety, new and renewable energy, science and technology, skill development and vocational education, manufacturing, civil aviation, disaster management and agriculture.
The Intergovernmental Consultations will take place on October 5. We will conclude substantial agreements that enable us to further complement our respective strengths.
India and Germany signed 16 MOUs on Monday, including one on cooperation in solar energy.
Advertisement
A separate MoU will be signed later between Kendriya Vidyalayas and Maxmuler Bhawan under which German will be taught as an additional foreign language.
