New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and discussed a wide range of issues focused on bolstering bilateral strategic ties.
Modi welcomed Scholz for a one-on-one meeting at his official residence here and is reported to have exchanged views on areas such as defense, trade, and clean energy.
Scholz arrived in Delhi late on Thursday as part of his three-day official visit to India. He was received by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in technology, sustainable development, and climate change initiatives. They discussed the potential for collaboration in renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind energy, as both countries aim to meet their climate targets.
Modi and Scholz also highlighted the need to enhance economic ties, with a focus on boosting trade and investment between India and Germany. The Prime Minister underscored the role of German companies in India’s manufacturing sector and invited more investments in Make in India initiatives.
In the defense sector, both leaders explored opportunities for joint ventures and technology transfers, with an emphasis on developing indigenous defense capabilities in India. The discussions included the potential for Germany to participate in India’s Defence Procurement Procedure to foster collaboration.
After their meeting, a joint statement is expected to be released, outlining key outcomes and future commitments from both sides. Scholz’s visit is seen as a significant step towards strengthening India-Germany relations, especially in light of global challenges such as the ongoing energy crisis and geopolitical tensions.
In addition to bilateral talks, Scholz is scheduled to meet other Indian leaders and participate in business forums to promote trade relations. This visit is part of Germany’s broader strategy to enhance its engagement with India, recognizing the latter as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
