Berlin/New Delhi, Sep 10 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who held talks with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Berlin, said the two had discussed about PM Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine and also the situation in the Middle East following the Gaza conflict and its ramifications.
In his media statement following talks with Minister Baerbock, he told the media that he was in Riyadh a day ago where he had attended the first ministerial meeting with the GCC nations. EAM said that he and Baerbock also discussed the Indo-Pacific and “some things which have been happening in our immediate neighbourhood”.
He said that later in the month, they will be heading to New York for the UNGA. “This year there is a special Summit of the Future and Germany is one of the co-facilitators. We naturally discussed global issues and reforming the UN. Do remember that we are both aspiring for a more prominent role in the UN Security Council,” he added.
EAM said that PM Modi in his third term has tasked all his ministers to plan and execute a 100-day programme. “As Foreign Minister, for me that meant meeting key partners on a priority basis. That is why I am here.”
EAM said during their talks the two sides had also touched on their cooperation with the EU. “With the incoming Commission, we hope to move faster on the FTA, and other agreements and we count on Germany’s support for that. Also, we would like to hold an early meeting of the Trade and Technology Council,” he said.
He said as part of the 100-day agenda, the government has decided to create 12 new industrial zones across the country, initiate a much bigger skilling programme and expand our logistics infrastructure. “There is a strong focus on new and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, electric mobility, renewables etc. We believe that this can constitute new opportunities for India-Germany cooperation,” he added.
The bilateral trade is around USD 30 billion annually, with investments from Germany being USD 25 million. “What is clear is that there is still a vast potential till there to be realized. Germany is a crucial partner in accelerating our growth and development. In turn, India can contribute to building reliable and resilient supply chains, diversified production and trusted digital partnerships. We welcome the forthcoming Asia Pacific Conference of German businesses in New Delhi in October 2024.”
He said the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed with Germany in December 2022 has facilitated a smooth movement of skills and talent and he was pleased to learn that today there are 125,000 Indian nationals working in their professional capacity in Germany. “Creating a legal global workplace is in our mutual interest. The number of Indian students in Germany has also grown, again I was very happy to get that numbers, is 50,000 I believe. And I thank you FM personally for your efforts in improving the speed and efficiency of visa issuance in India.”
He said that their interactions in defence and security have also increased. The two countries held the first ever air exercises this year. “And we hope to welcome your naval ships in Goa next month. Our policy and other exchanges have been mutually beneficial. And we would like to explore how our defense industries can cooperate more closely,” he added.
The two ministers also exchanged views about how the two sides can work together where possible in third countries.
“Our consultations as Minster Baerbock mentioned precede the impending meeting of the Inter-Governmental Consultations in India later this year. I think today’s session has been very very useful to prepare for that.”
External Affairs Minister is in Berlin, Germany, for a two– day visit from Sep 10–11, in his third bilateral visit. Both India and Germany share a robust Strategic Partnership and Germany is one of India’s prominent trading partners and among the largest Foreign Direct Investors.
