Berlin, May 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wound up his two-day visit to Germany with the two countries further cementing the strategic partnership by deepening cooperation on foreign policy, defence and security issues, besides expressing their unity in combating terrorism.
A joint statement issued after delegation level talks between Mr Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also noted trade and investment and cooperation in sustainable development as one of the several elements of the strategic partnership.
The talks were followed by 12 agreements and MoUs in the field of sustainable urban development, cyber security, skill development, digitalisation, railway security and vocational training. Germany also offered India 1.4 euros development assistance.
‘’As strategic partners, India and Germany are committed to close coordination, bilaterally and with partners, in the G20, the United Nations and other multilateral fora, to address existing and emerging challenges to international security, global economic stability and growth,’’ the joint statement said. In a media statement after the bilateral meeting, Mr Modi said “We had wide ranging discussions today.
India-Germany partnership will help our nations and also help the world. We are looking at outcome oriented momentum in India-Germany ties and also a quantum jump specially in economic ties.” Germany will always find India as a ‘powerful, prepared and capable partner,’ he assured. Earlier, the PM and German Chancellor undertook a comprehensive review of cooperation at the plenary meeting of the Inter-Governmental Consultations on a slew of issues including terrorism, climate change and skill development.
‘Our relations have a regional and global perspective. We discussed new and upcoming opportunities and challenges in Asia, Europe and the world,’ he added. He also noted that their cooperation in areas like renewable energy is gaining momentum. Welcoming the role played by German business and industry, he described them as an ‘important partner in achievements of India’s economic priorities.’ Later, addressing business leaders, the Prime Minister invited German businessmen to come and invest in India, stressing that his country had one of the most liberal Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy regimes in the world.
‘The present economic situation in India is very favorable for foreign investors.When I spoke in April 2015, our process of reform had just started. Now, I can safely say that we have completed a sizeable part of it,” he said. The Prime Minister said that ‘not at the central level, even the trend of reforms is spreading fast to all the states. Two leaders underlined their common concern about the threat and global reach of terrorism and extremism.
‘’They condemned terrorist violence in all its forms and manifestations. They agreed on the need to take strong measures against all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary and safe havens that sustain and support terrorist groups and organisations,’’ they said in the joint statement. They welcomed closer collaboration between India and Germany to counter these challenges through regular meetings of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism. They called for finalisation and adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.