Scholz visit: PM Modi welcomes Germany's call to increase visas for skilled Indians | News from India

Speaking at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, which was also attended by Scholz, Modi said: “Two of the world's leading economies, together we can become a force for global good, and the Focus on India document provides a template for this. In this, Germany's holistic approach and commitment to continuing the strategic partnership are clearly evident. Particularly noteworthy is the confidence that Germany has expressed in India's skilled workforce. Germany has decided to increase the number of visas for skilled Indians from 20,000 to 90,000 per year. I am convinced that this will further boost Germany's economic growth.

The two leaders then held bilateral talks during which they discussed, among other things, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in West Asia. India and Germany have signed mutual legal assistance and classified information agreements, as well as a green hydrogen roadmap.

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of concern for both nations. India has always been of the view that war cannot be a solution to problems. India is ready to make all possible contribution towards restoring peace, Modi said after the 7th inter-governmental consultation.

Scholz called on India to contribute to the search for a political solution to the conflict in Ukraine. At times like these, it is of utmost importance that India be an anchor of stability in South Asia. The rules-based international order has come under massive pressure following the Russian attack on Ukraine. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine affects Germany and India in several ways. No one can turn a blind eye to the conflict and its impact on us. Therefore, I endorse India's support for a lasting and just peace, and I welcome your willingness to leverage the reliable relationships you have developed with all parties to contribute to a political solution to the conflict, he said. -he declared, referring to Modis. visits to Russia and Ukraine to meet with President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy respectively over the past four months.

Regarding the conflict in West Asia, Scholz said: We must by all means avoid a further escalation of violence in the Middle East. We need a ceasefire, the release of hostages and a political process leading to a two-state solution.

Regarding China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific, he said: In the Indo-Pacific…we stand for respect for a rules-based international order. The freedom of maritime trade must be respected everywhere.

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. The agreement on the exchange of classified information is a new step in this direction… The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty concluded today will strengthen our joint efforts to combat terrorism and separatist elements, he said.

Modi defined India-Germany relations as a transformational partnership between two strong and capable democracies and not a transactional relationship. The world is going through periods of tension, conflict and uncertainty. In the Indo-Pacific region, there are serious concerns about the rule of law and freedom of navigation. In times like this, the strategic partnership between India and Germany has emerged as a strong anchor, he said.

The Prime Minister recalled that this was Scholz's third visit to India and marked the triple celebration of friendship between India and Germany. Scholz visited India twice last year for a bilateral state visit in February and to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in September.

After the negotiations, eight documents were signed: a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, an agreement on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information, an Indo-German roadmap on green hydrogen, a roadmap on innovation and technology, and declarations on employment and labor, R&D on advanced technologies. materials, green urban mobility and skills development.

Modi said they agreed that global forums created in the 20th century were inadequate to address the challenges of the 21st century. Reforms are needed in multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, he said.

He also welcomed the Focus on India strategy announced by Germany. I am delighted that, to expand and elevate our partnership, we are taking several new and important initiatives and moving from a “whole of government” approach to a national approach,” he said.

Our overall message is clear: we need more cooperation, not less, Scholz said. In our intergovernmental consultations with India, we also want to deepen defense cooperation and agree to bring our militaries together, he said.

In favor of a faster conclusion of the India-EU FTA, Scholz said: Both India and Germany benefit in equal measure from this good and trusting cooperation. This is particularly true in the area of ​​economic ties. Germany has become India's most important trading partner within the European Union, and I am determined to strengthen and further develop this bond and cooperation… As Chancellor, I strongly support a ambitious free trade agreement between India and the European Union. I think both parties would benefit from this and our ambition should be to make progress in this regard.

After Delhi, Scholz will head to Goa where German naval frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and combat support ship Frankfurt am Main will make a scheduled stopover as part of Germany's deployment in the Indo-Pacific.