Jaishankar's visit cements India-Germany ties

Story by  Vidushi Gaur | Posted by  Vidushi Gaur | Date 11-09-2024
S. Jaishankar with German Members of Parliament in Berlin
S. Jaishankar with German Members of Parliament in Berlin

 

Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during his visit to Germany as part of a three-nation tour, engaged in wide-ranging discussions with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock. Their talks covered global issues like the Ukraine conflict, the Gaza situation, and the Indo-Pacific region, while also focusing on the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.

Jaishankar highlighted the growing cooperation between India and Germany in areas like trade, green development, skilled worker mobility, technology, and defense.

He emphasized the significance of Germany's involvement in the Indo-Pacific, calling for greater collaboration, while expressing India’s interest in expanding its role in the Euro-Atlantic. He also noted that both nations had conducted their first-ever joint air exercises and discussed future naval exercises in Goa, aiming to strengthen defense and security ties.

During a press address, Jaishankar discussed the potential for enhanced trade, referencing India’s goal of creating 12 new industrial zones as part of a broader agenda to boost manufacturing and infrastructure. He stressed the importance of Germany's participation in accelerating India's growth, particularly in new technologies like semiconductors and green energy.

Jaishankar also addressed resilient supply chains, emphasizing the need for trusted partnerships in a digital era and praised Germany’s strategic role in shaping this new global landscape. He noted India’s rapid infrastructural and economic growth, citing statistics like India’s $4 trillion economy and the world-leading number of digital financial transactions. 

He mentioned plans for expanding logistics, skilling initiatives, and India’s pivotal role in sectors like space exploration and vaccine production.

Looking ahead, Jaishankar welcomed the forthcoming 7th Intergovernmental Consultations in India and emphasized the need for further collaboration in areas like defense cooperation and clean energy, especially green hydrogen.

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With 50,000 Indian students in Germany and growing skilled worker mobility, the relationship between the two countries is poised for further growth. Both ministers reiterated the importance of continuous consultation on global issues to build trust and deepen their partnership.