PMINDIA

Your Excellency, Chancellor Scholz,
Delegates of both countries,
Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

Guten Tag!

First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Chancellor Scholz and his delegation to India. I am happy that we have had the opportunity to welcome you to India for the third time in the last two years.

You can gauge the extent of the strategic partnership between India and Germany from the activities over the last two-three days. This morning, we had the opportunity to address the Asia Pacific Conference for German Business.

The first IGC of my third term concluded a short while ago. Right now, we have just come from the CEO Forum meeting. At the same time, German naval ships are making port calls in Goa. And the sports world is not far behind—friendly matches are also being played between our hockey teams.

Friends,

Our partnership under the leadership of Chancellor Scholz has gained new momentum and direction. I congratulate Chancellor Scholz for Germany’s “Focus on India” strategy, which provides a blueprint to modernize and elevate the partnership between two large democracies in the world in a comprehensive manner.

Today, our innovation and technology roadmap has been launched. A whole-of-government approach to Critical and Emerging Technologies, Skill Development, and Innovation has also been agreed upon. This will strengthen cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Clean Energy. It will also help in building secure, trusted, and resilient global supply value chains.

Friends,

Growing cooperation in the defense and security sectors reflects our deep mutual trust. The agreement on the exchange of classified information is a new step in this direction. The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty signed today will further bolster our joint efforts to combat terrorism and separatist elements.

Both countries are constantly working on their shared commitment to green and sustainable growth. Today, taking our Green and Sustainable Development Partnership forward, we have agreed on the second phase of the Green Urban Mobility Partnership. Additionally, the Green Hydrogen Roadmap has also been launched.

Friends,

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of concern for both countries. India has always maintained that war cannot solve any problem at all, and stands ready to make every possible contribution towards the restoration of peace.

We both agree on ensuring freedom of navigation and adherence to the rule of law in accordance with international laws in the Indo-Pacific region.

We also agree that the Global Forums created in the twentieth century are not capable of addressing challenges of the twenty-first century. There is a need for reforms in various multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council.

India and Germany will continue to actively cooperate in this direction.

Friends,

People-to-people connections are an important pillar of our relationship. Today, we have decided to work together in skills development and vocational education. An agreement has also been signed between IIT Chennai and Dresden University, which will allow our students to take advantage of a Dual Degree program.

India’s young talent is contributing to the progress and prosperity of Germany. We welcome the “Skilled Labour Strategy” released by Germany for India. I am confident that our young talent pool will get better opportunities to contribute to Germany’s development. I congratulate Chancellor Scholz for his faith in the capacity and capability of Indian talent.

Excellency,

Your visit to India has given new momentum, energy, and enthusiasm to our partnership. I can confidently say that our partnership has clarity, and the future is bright.

In German, Alles klar, Alles gut!

Thank you very much.
Danke schön.