By TN Ashok / Diplomatic Editor
New Delhi, October 05: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi today singled out German Chancellor’s strong and inspired leadership as one which brought confidence and reassurance to the European Zone countries at a time of difficult moments. At the same time its remarkable that the German Chancellor had chosen to visit India despite many concerns in the European region.
Modi said that the strength of the German Chancellors’ delegation reflects the importance she attaches to relations with India and :” the seriousness with which you approach the Inter-Governmental Consultations. Your commitment holds the key to progress in our relations. “
In a media statement, Modi said, the mechanism of Inter-Governmental Consultation is certainly unique. And, it has brought about all round growth in Indo – German relations. “In the course of the past year, our two sides have deepened our engagement. “ We see Germany as a natural partner in achieving our vision of India’s economic transformation. German strengths and India’s priorities are aligned. And, so is our mutual goodwill.”
Modi said the focus generally tends to be on economic ties.” But, I believe that in a world of seamless challenges and opportunities, India and Germany can also be strong partners in advancing a more human, peaceful, just and sustainable future for the world. We have a rich history of engagement. We share values, comfort in our relations and a sense of responsibility to the world.”
The Prime Minister said that he and Angela Merkel had met for around three hours and the dialogue would continue here and in Bengaluru tomorrow. “ I was very pleased with our discussions and the broad range of outcomes.”
Modi expressed happiness that the German response to India’s development agenda is very encouraging. We can look forward with confidence to increased investment, trade and technology partnerships in manufacturing, infrastructure and skill development. German engineering and Indian IT skills can create the next generation industry that will be more efficient, economical and environment friendly.
Some 1600 German companies in India, and growing in number, will be strong partners in creating a global work force in India. German cooperation and assistance in areas like smart cities, Clean Ganga and waste management have taken a concrete shape. So, has our cooperation in education, from engineering to humanities.
Modi said he admired German leadership in clean energy and commitment to combating climate change. This is an area where we have convergence of views, and rapidly growing cooperation. We have agreed on India – German Climate and Renewable Alliance with a long term vision and a comprehensive agenda of cooperation.
“ I place great value on Germany’s assistance of over one billion Euros for India’s Green Energy Corridor and a new assistance package of over a billion Euros for solar projects in India”, Modi said adding , “ We also intend to deepen research cooperation in clean and renewable energy, and energy efficiency.”
Modi said he was looking forward to a concrete outcome at COP21 in Paris that strengthens the commitment and the ability of the world, especially of poor and vulnerable countries, to transition to a more sustainable growth path.” Our partnership will also grow in areas like defence manufacturing, trade in advanced technology, intelligence, and countering terrorism and radicalism. These are important security dimensions of our expanding relationship.”
Welcoming Germany’s strong support for India’s membership of the international export control regimes, Midi said as discussed in the G4 Summit in New York, Chancellor and I are committed to pursue reforms of the United Nations, especially the Security Council. “ We have a common perspective on this region; the turbulence in West Asia; Europe’s challenges; and, shaping a peaceful and stable Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean Region. I especially thanked her for Germany’s invaluable support for peace, security and development in Afghanistan.”
Modi had a very special word of gratitude to Chancellor Merkel and the people of Germany for the return of the 10th century statue of Durga in her Mahishasurmardini avatar from Jammu and Kashmir. “She is a symbol of the victory of good over evil”, he said..