Joint statement after 7th Indo Germany Inter Governmental Consultations
Growing Together with Innovation, Mobility and Sustainability
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Federal Chancellor Olaf
Scholz co-chaired the seventh round of India-Germany Inter-Governmental
Consultations (7th IGC) on 25 October 2024 in New Delhi. The Delegation
included Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Commerce & Industries,
Labour & Employment, Science & Technology (MoS) and Skill Development
(MoS) from the Indian side and Ministers of Economic Affairs & Climate
Action, Foreign Affairs, Labour & Social Affairs and Education &
Research from the German side along with Parliamentary State Secretaries for
Finance; Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer
Protection; and Economic Cooperation and Development from the German side, as well
as senior officials from both sides.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his
third visit to India as Chancellor. Both leaders sincerely appreciated the
renewed momentum in bilateral engagement across government, industry, civil
society and academia that has played an instrumental role in advancing and
deepening the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany.
3. Both leaders emphasised the importance of the Asia-Pacific Conference of
German Business (APK), which takes place in New Delhi in parallel to the 7th
IGC, in strengthening economic ties and strategic partnerships between Germany,
India and the Indo-Pacific region as a whole. The decision to host the 2024
conference in India underscores India's political weight in the Indo-Pacific
and globally.
4. Under the motto "Growing Together with Innovation, Mobility and
Sustainability”, the 7th IGC placed particular emphasis on technology and
innovation, labour and talent, migration and mobility, climate action, green
and sustainable development as well as economic, defence and strategic
cooperation. Both sides agree that the aforementioned domains will be the key
drivers of our ever more multi-faceted partnership that spans trade,
investment, defence, science, technology, innovation, sustainability, renewable
energy, emerging technologies, development cooperation, culture, education,
sustainable mobility, sustainable resource management, biodiversity, climate
resilience and people-to-people ties.
5. The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Inter –
Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological
Development which institutionalized the framework of Indo-German cooperation in
Science & Technology, research and innovation. In this context, the 7th IGC
presented an opportunity to renew the close relationship between India and
Germany in this regard and to prioritize the advancement of technology and
innovation as a key pillar of cooperation.
6. During the 6th IGC, both governments had announced the Green and Sustainable
Development Partnership (GSDP), which serves as an umbrella for bilateral
formats and joint initiatives in this field. Subsequently, both sides signed
the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) in December 2022 and
launched the "India-Germany Vision to Enhance Cooperation in Innovation
and Technology” in February 2023. Recalling the outcomes of the 6th IGC and
various agreements concluded by the two sides thereafter, both governments launched
the "India-Germany Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap” and
introduced the "Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap", whose aim is to
promote the market ramp-up of Green Hydrogen.
Growing Together for Peace, Security and
Stability
7. The two leaders noted the Pact
for the Future and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding shared values and
principles including democracy, freedom, international peace and security and a
rules-based international order in line with the purposes and principles of the
UN Charter. Both governments also underscored their commitment to strengthen
and reform the multilateral system including expansion of both permanent and
non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council to reflect
contemporary realities, address current and future challenges and to support
and preserve peace and stability across the world. The two leaders called for
text-based negotiations at the IGN within a fixed timeframe.
8. India and Germany agreed that the difficulties of the UN Security Council to
effectively address regional and global crises offer a compelling reminder of
the urgent need for reform. As members of the "Group of Four (G4)”, India
and Germany reiterated their call for a Security Council that is efficient,
effective, transparent and reflective of 21st century realities.
9. The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine
including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. They reiterated
the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with
international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN
Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also
noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and
energy security, especially for developing and least developed countries. In
the context of this war, they shared the view that the use, or threat of use,
of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. They underscored the importance of
upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterated that
all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the
territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.
10. The leaders expressed their shared interest in achieving peace and
stability in the Middle East. They unequivocally condemned the Hamas’ terror
attacks on October 7, 2023 and expressed concern over the large-scale loss of
civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for the
immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an immediate ceasefire as
well as the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of
humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza. The leaders underscored the
need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region.
In this regard, they called on all regional players to act responsibly and with
restraint. Both sides also emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of
civilians and facilitate safe, timely and sustained humanitarian relief to
civilians, and in this regard urged all parties to comply with international
law. The leaders were also deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating
situation in Lebanon, called for an urgent cessation of hostilities and agreed
that a solution to the conflict in Gaza and in Lebanon can only be reached by
diplomatic means. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 outlines
the path towards a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line. The leaders
reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, leading to the
establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine, living
within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in dignity and
peace with Israel, taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns.
11. The leaders underscored that as the world’s two largest democracies, India
and the EU have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and
sustainable development in a multi – polar world. They emphasized the
importance of deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership which would not only
benefit both sides but also have a far-reaching positive impact globally. The
leaders also expressed their strong support to the India-EU Trade and
Technology Council that would serve as an innovative platform towards closer
engagement in the critical areas of trade, trusted technologies and security.
They agreed to coordinate efforts, both bilaterally and at the EU level, to
take forward key connectivity initiatives including India-Middle East-Europe Economic
Corridor in which India, Germany and EU are members as well as the EU
Initiative Global Gateway.
12. Both leaders underscored the crucial importance of a comprehensive Free
Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical
Indications between the European Union and India, while calling for an early
conclusion of the negotiations.
13. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all
its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and
cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious
threat to international peace and stability. They further called for concerted
action against all terrorist groups, including groups proscribed by the United
Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee. Both sides also
called upon all countries to continue to work towards eliminating terrorist
safe havens and infrastructure as well as to disrupt terrorist networks and
financing in accordance with international law.
14. Both leaders noted with concern the emerging threats from the use of new
and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes such as unmanned aircraft
systems, use of virtual assets by terrorists and terrorist entities and the
misuse of information and communication technologies for radicalization. In
this regard they welcomed the adoption of Delhi Declaration on Countering the
use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorism Purposes adopted during the
conduct of UNCTC meetings in India in 2022.
15. Recognizing a shared commitment to combat terrorism and strengthen the
framework for global cooperation in this regard, both leaders emphasized the
importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and
combating the financing of terrorism by all countries, including in FATF. Both
sides called for bringing the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice. Both
sides reaffirmed their commitment to hold regular consultations of the Joint
Working Group on Counter Terrorism to strengthen channels for real time sharing
of intelligence and coordination of counter-terrorism efforts. Both sides also
committed to continued exchange of information about sanctions and designations
against terror groups and individuals, countering radicalism, and terrorists’
use of the internet and cross-border movement of terrorists.
16. With a view to ensuring closer collaboration to prevent, suppress,
investigate and prosecute criminals, including crime related to terrorism,
India and Germany concluded the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal
Matters (MLAT). Both leaders agreed that the India-Germany MLAT is an important
milestone in strengthening security cooperation between the two countries that
will enable sharing of information and evidence, mutual capacity building and
sharing of best practices between the two countries.
17. As strategic partners with a shared interest in deepening security
cooperation, both sides concluded the Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual
Protection of Classified Information thereby creating a legal framework for
cooperation and collaboration between Indian and German entities and providing
guidance on how classified information should be handled, protected and
transmitted.
18. With a view to better appreciating foreign policy perspectives in key
regions across the world, both governments decided to establish an
India-Germany Dialogue on West Asia and North Africa (WANA) between the
respective Foreign Ministries, which would be in addition to long-standing
dialogue mechanisms on Africa and East Asia. Both governments also expressed
satisfaction with regular consultations on key thematic issues of mutual
concern including policy planning, cyber-security, cyber issues and United
Nations.
19. Recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of each other’s
perspectives, including amongst think tanks and foreign and security policy
experts, both governments underscored the usefulness of India-Germany Track 1.5
dialogue between Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), the Research and
Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and MEA from the Indian side
and German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), the German Institute
for International and Security Affairs (SWP) and the German Federal Foreign
Office. The next meeting of this dialogue format is planned for November 2024.
Both governments also appreciated the launch of a Track 1.5 Dialogue on East
Asia and agreed that these exchanges help both sides better align and
coordinate their outreach. With a view to sustaining this momentum, both sides
agreed to convene the next edition of the Track 1.5 Dialogue Mechanisms at the
earliest opportunity.
20. Both sides are committed to promoting a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and
prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law, mutual respect for
sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of disputes, and underpinned by effective
regional institutions. Both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for
ASEAN's unity and centrality. The Government of India welcomed Germany’s
leadership in the capacity-building pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans
Initiative (IPOI) and its commitment of up to 20 Million EUR via a competitive
call for ideas under its International Climate Initiative in 2022 to strengthen
the resilience of Pacific Island States against climate-related loss and damage.
21. Germany congratulated India on its successful G20 Presidency which brought
the development agenda to centre stage in G20. Both Leaders acknowledged that
from initiating a platform on Compact with Africa (CwA) during the German G20
Presidency to inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20
during India’s Presidency, the G20 has come a long way to ensure that the voice
of the Global South is amplified. India and Germany expressed their support to
the priorities set by the Brazilian G20 Presidency, especially Global
Governance Reforms.Strengthening Defence and Strategic Cooperation
22. Recognizing the shared goal of intensifying defence ties between the two
countries, the Government of India welcomed the efforts of the German Federal
Government to facilitate faster export clearances, including through favourable
regulatory decisions such as the General Authorisation/General Licences (AGG)
regime. Both sides committed to supporting strategic exports to India and
encouraged co-development, co-production and joint research between the
respective defence industries. Both governments appreciated the defence
roundtable held in New Delhi on 24 October, to strengthen the defense
industrial partnership between India and Germany.
23. In addition to regular visits and increasing interactions between the armed
forces, both sides look forward to the next High Defence Committee (HDC)
meeting to be held in India next year with a view to developing defence
cooperation as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership between India and
Germany. India and Germany also agreed to finalize cooperation in peacekeeping
related training between the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), New Delhi and
its counterpart in Germany, the Bundeswehr United Nations Training Centre in
Hammelburg (GAFUNTC) and looked forward to the Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting
in Berlin in 2025.
24. Both sides stressed the importance of the Indo-Pacific for prosperity and
security as well as for addressing global challenges. Germany will enhance its
engagement with the region in line with the Federal Government’s policy
guidelines for the Indo-Pacific. Both sides also highlighted the importance of
freedom of navigation and of unimpeded maritime routes in accordance with
International Law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, in all maritime domains including in the Indo-Pacific.
In this context, both governments declared their joint intent to conclude a
Memorandum of Arrangement regarding mutual logistics support and exchange
between the armed forces of India and Germany to further intensify defence and
security ties and to establish a basis for provision of mutual logistics
support including in the Indo-Pacific theatre. With a view to deepening
cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Germany will permanently deploy a Liaison
Officer in the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) at
Gurugram to monitor the marine traffic in IOR, further augmenting close
cooperation in this region.
25. Both sides welcomed Germany’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region
in the field of security and defence cooperation and appreciated the successful
cooperation of the Indian and German air forces during exercise TARANG SHAKTI
in August 2024 as well as the port call in Goa and joint naval exercises
between the German Naval Frigate "Baden-Württemberg” along with the Combat
Support Ship "Frankfurt Am Main” and the Indian Navy. Germany also welcomed
the port call of Indian naval ship INS TABAR to Hamburg in July 2024.
26. Both governments agreed to intensify bilateral exchanges on security and
defence issues also through enhancing research, co-development and
co-production activities bilaterally, under EU mechanisms and with other
partners. In this regard, both sides will support enhanced industry level
cooperation in the defence sector with a specific focus on technology
collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence
platforms and equipment. Germany also welcomes India’s application for observer
status in the Eurodrone Programme of OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament
Co-operation).Partnering for Critical and Emerging Technologies, Science and
Innovation
27. Both leaders expressed their appreciation on the successful 50 years of
long standing collaboration in science and technology between the two countries
and reaffirmed their support to expand it further through launching the
‘India-Germany Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap’ which will serve
as a guideline to the public and private sectors and research institutions of
the two countries to take forward our cooperation in the areas of renewable
energy, start-ups, semiconductors, AI and quantum technologies, climate risk
and sustainable resource management, climate change adaptation as well as
agroecology Both leaders further identified space and space technologies as an
important and promising area for future prosperity, development, and possible
cooperation.
28. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction at the growing exchanges
between the two countries in the field of research & education and growing
number of Indian students studying in Germany. Both leaders also acknowledged
the flagship role of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) in
promoting bilateral industry-academia strategic research and development
partnerships. Both leaders welcomed the recent initiatives of IGSTC and signing
of Joint Declaration of Intent to support 2+2 projects in the field of advanced
materials. Understanding the importance of IGSTC, both leaders expressed their
desire to expand and forge new partnerships anchored in shared values and
driven by innovation led technology development and manufacturing.
29. Both Leaders acknowledged the launching of the first ever basic research
consortia model between the two countries namely, International Research
Training Group (IRTG), jointly by Department of Science and Technology (DST)
& German Research Foundation (DFG) with the involvement of first group of
researchers from IISER Thiruvananthapuram and Würzburg University on
Photoluminescence in Supramolecular Matrices. Underpinning science and
innovation landscape, they expressed their desire to initiate an Indo-German
Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme to leverage collective expertise
and capacity for fostering scientific innovation and incubation ecosystems of
academic & research institutions.
30. Both Leaders also expressed their appreciation and satisfaction over the
high level of engagement as exemplified by India’s participation in
mega-science facilities at Facility for Anti-Proton and Ion Research (FAIR) and
Deutsche Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY) in Germany. They extended their
commitment including financials to ensure timely execution of the FAIR
facility. The two leaders also acknowledge the continuation of the cooperation
at the synchrotron radiation facility PETRA-III and the free-electron laser
facility FLASH at DESY.
31. Both governments welcomed the steadily increasing partnerships in Higher
Education which facilitate dual and joint degrees and intensify collaborative
research and academic and institutional exchanges between Universities and
Institutions of Higher Education. In particular, both sides expressed their
appreciation and full support for the first ever Indo-German joint Masters
degree programme in "Water Security & Global Change”, a joint
initiative of TU Dresden, RWTH-Aachen and IIT-Madras (IITM) funded by DAAD as
well as a new initiative of TU Dresden and IITM to conclude an agreement
establishing a "transCampus” to deepen bilateral cooperation in teaching,
research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Both governments also welcomed the
signing of the MoU between IIT Kharagpur and the DAAD, which will enable joint
funding for Indo-German university cooperation projects. Both sides expressed
their strong support for the dedicated call of the "German Indian Academic
Network for Tomorrow” (GIANT) under SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and
Research Collaboration) highlighting cooperation between Indian and German
universities.
32. With a view to further strengthening digital and technology partnerships
between India and Germany, both governments agreed to share experience and
expertise in digital public infrastructure (DPI), e.g. to explore ways in which
Germany can leverage India’s expertise in DPI and the strengths of the Indian
IT industry to drive innovation and digital transformation in both countries.
As an important forum for exchanges on digital topics such as internet
governance, tech regulations, digital transformation of economy, and emerging
digital technologies, both sides welcomed the finalization of the Work Plan for
2023-24 formulated by the Indo-German Digital Dialogue (IGDD).
33. Both sides will endeavour to leverage AI to advance the SDG, recognizing
the need for an innovation-friendly, balanced, inclusive, human-centric and
risk-based approach to the governance of AI. Digital solutions such as image
detection and AI are playing an important role in revolutionising agriculture
by assisting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity, climate
resilience, carbon sinks and sustainability. Both countries are running
national programmes to facilitate the growth of digital agriculture and have
agreed to intensify their Cooperation in Digital Agriculture, AI and IoT to
foster ongoing cooperation, innovation and exchanges for modernising
agriculture.
34. Both governments underlined the strategic importance of collaboration in
the field of critical and emerging technologies, innovation and skill
development. Reaffirming the priorities for bilateral cooperation, as laid down
in the Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap, both governments agreed
to focus on collaboration in innovation, skill development and critical and
emerging technologies. Forging closer linkages between the industry and
academia of the two countries in key technology areas would be prioritized, in
recognition of a shared commitment to ensuring an open, inclusive and secure
technology architecture, built on mutual trust and respect, and reflecting
shared values and democratic principles. Based on that, the two countries would
achieve outcome oriented and mutually beneficial technology collaboration in
identified sectors.
35. In furthering cooperation in the field of research in disaster mitigation,
tsunami warnings, coastal hazards, early warning systems, disaster risk
reduction and oceanography, polar sciences, biology and biogeochemistry,
geophysics and geology, both Governments welcomed the signing of the Memorandum
of Understanding between Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
(INCOIS) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam - Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum, and
between National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and
AlfredWegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI).
36. Both Governments also welcomed the bilateral agreement in the biological,
physical and mathematical sciences between National Centre for Biological Sciences
(NCBS) and International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both centres
of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), under the Department of
Atomic Energy (DAE), India and Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG), Germany. This
agreement will facilitate the exchange of scientists, including students and
research staff, between the various Max Planck Institutes with ICTS and NCBS.
37. Both Leaders noted with appreciation the collaboration between M/s New
Space India Ltd and M/s GAF AG for upgrading the international ground station
at Neustrelitz, Germany for the reception and processing of data from OceanSat
– 3 and RISAT – 1A satellites. Partnership for a Green and Sustainable Future
38. Both sides acknowledged the need for green, sustainable, climate resilient
and inclusive development to achieve net zero emissions. Both governments aim
to substantially enhance bilateral, trilateral and multilateral cooperation in
climate action and sustainable development. Both sides acknowledged the progress
achieved thus far under the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development
Partnership (GSDP). This partnership, guided by shared commitments, seeks to
accelerate the implementation of the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and
the SDGs. In this context, both sides stressed the need to work jointly for an
ambitious outcome of the upcoming UNFCCC COP29, in particular on the New
Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). Both sides will respond positively to the
outcomes of COP28, including the first Global Stocktake, in light of national
circumstances.
39. Both sides appreciated the stocktaking of progress during the Ministerial
meeting on the GSDP objectives. To contribute to the implementation of the
GSDP, both sides are committed to regular dialogue within the existing working
groups and other bilateral formats and initiatives. The next meeting of the
Ministerial Mechanism shall take place at the latest within the framework of
the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations, to conduct a
stocktaking of the progress on GSDP objectives to achieve the Paris Agreement
goals and SDGs. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to closely cooperate on
combatting climate change and therefore expressed their intention to hold a
meeting of the Indo-German Climate Working Group in the near future.
40. Under the umbrella of the GSDP, both sides inter alia:
a. Launched the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap. The Leaders agreed that the
Roadmap will help support India’s ambition for production, usage and export of
Green Hydrogen while also contributing to a swifter adoption of Green Hydrogen
as a sustainable source of energy in both countries
b. Launched the GSDP Dashboard, a publicly accessible online tool, which
showcases the intensive cooperation between Germany and India under the GSDP.
It gives an overview of key innovations and the broad range of experience
covered by India-Germany cooperation. It facilitates stocktaking of the joint
progress towards achieving GSDP objectives, and provides key information to
relevant stakeholders on innovative solutions for global challenges.
c. Signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to renew and further elevate the
partnership in accordance with a shared vision to promoting in India
sustainable urban mobility for all, recognizing the importance of green and
sustainable urbanization for inclusive social and economic development and the
strong results of the Green Urban Mobility Partnership since its establishment
in 2019.
d. Highly appreciated the achievements and vision for the future of the
International Solar Alliance (ISA) and agreed to intensify our cooperation
within ISA.
e. Appreciated the cooperation in the area of halting deforestation and
degradation and reversing the trend by restoring forest landscapes in support
of the implementation of the Rio Conventions and the SDGs.
41. The leaders acknowledged that the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF), through
its various activities, has played a pivotal role in strengthening the general
bilateral economic relations between Germany and India, promoting economic
growth, and addressing global climate change challenges.
42. Both sides underscored the role of the 4th Global RE-INVEST Renewable
Energy Investors Meet & Expo, held in September 2024 in Gandhinagar with
Germany as a partner country, in bringing together key stakeholders in the
renewable energy sector. Both governments recalled the ‘India-Germany Platform
for Investments in Renewable Energy Worldwide’ which was launched during
RE-INVEST as a key initiative to fast-track renewable energy investments,
foster business collaborations and expand global supply chains. The platform
will accelerate the expansion of renewable energy in India and worldwide
through exchanges on green financing, technology and business opportunities.
43. Both governments expressed their wish to continue to strengthen the
cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Biodiversity and acknowledged
that CBD COP 16 marks a crucial moment in the global effort to implement the
goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
44. Recalling the deliberations and outcomes of the Joint Working Group on
Waste management and Circular Economy which has created opportunities by
intensifying exchanges on experiences and technologies between the two
countries, both sides agreed to explore the possibility of deepening
cooperation within these structures, for instance, focusing future work on
inter alia Solar Waste recycling. They appreciated the Indo-German environment
cooperation on the effective and efficient implementation of ambitious
objectives and policies in order to prevent waste, especially plastics, from
entering the marine environment. India and Germany agreed to closely cooperate
towards establishing a global legally binding agreement on plastic pollution.
45. Both leaders acknowledged the progress made under the Triangular
Development Cooperation (TDC), which pools mutual strengths and experiences to
offer sustainable, viable and inclusive projects in third countries as per
their priorities to support the achievement of SDGs and climate targets in
Africa, Asia and beyond. Both sides welcomed the encouraging results of the
pilot projects in Cameroon, Ghana and Malawi, and the progress made in the
ongoing initiatives with Benin and Peru. In view of the successful implementation
of the aforementioned initiatives, both governments have agreed to commence
upscaling of the pilot projects with Cameroon (agriculture), Malawi (women
entrepreneurship) and Ghana (horticulture) in 2024 and beyond. Furthermore,
both sides welcomed the start of the three millet related pilot projects: two
with Ethiopia and one with Madagascar. Additionally, both sides have launched
the institutional mechanism to reach out to the partners, select and implement
their joint initiatives on a full scale and to this end, both governments
established a Joint Steering Committee and a Joint Implementation Group.
46. The leaders reaffirmed that Gender Equality is of fundamental importance
and investing in the empowerment of women and girls has a multiplier effect in
implementing the 2030 Agenda. They reiterated their commitment to encourage
women-led development and enhancing womens’ full, equal, effective and
meaningful participation as decision-makers for addressing global challenges
inclusively while noting Germany’s Feminist Foreign and Development Policies in
this regard. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to strengthen Indo-German
cooperation on promoting the critical role of women in green and sustainable
development.
47. In addition, both sides welcomed the milestones already achieved with
respect to the existing initiatives and new commitments for financial and
technical cooperation under the framework of the GSDP, as follows:
a. New commitments in all core areas of the GSDP of more than 1 billion EUR as agreed
during the negotiations on development cooperation between the Government of
India and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in September 2024,
adding up to accumulated commitments of around 3.2 billion EUR since beginning of the GSDP in 2022;
b. Under the Indo-German Renewable Energy Partnership, the cooperation focused
on innovative solar energy, green hydrogen, other renewables, grid integration,
storage and investments in the renewable energy sector to facilitate an energy
transition and to address the need for a reliable, round the clock renewable
power supply.
c. The "Agroecology and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources”
cooperation benefits the vulnerable rural population and small-scale farmers in
India by fostering income, food security, climate resilience, soil health,
biodiversity, forest ecosystems and water security.
d. Both sides reiterated their intention to continue their successful
collaboration on sustainable urban development.
Building resilience through Trade and Economic collaboration
48. Both leaders hailed the consistent high performance in terms of bilateral
trade between the two countries in the recent years and encouraged stakeholders
in India and Germany to further strengthen trade and investment flows. The
leaders also noted the strong two-way investments between India and Germany and
the positive impacts of such investments in diversifying the global supply
chains. In this context, the leaders expressed confidence that the APK 2024,
the bi-annual flagship forum of German Business with participation of top-level
business executives from Germany, is a crucial platform to showcase the immense
opportunities available in India for German businesses.
49. Both sides underlined the long-standing presence of German businesses in
India and Indian businesses in Germany and agreed to work towards deepening
economic and trade linkages between the two countries. In this context, both
sides welcomed the holding of the meeting of the India-Germany CEO Forum which
serves as a high-level platform to engage business and industry leaders from
India and Germany. They also underlined the achievements of the Indo-German
Fast Track Mechanism to resolve trade and investment related issues, and are
ready to continue its operation.
50. In recognition of the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs)/Mittelstand in economic growth and job creation, both sides
acknowledged the growth in bilateral investment and the success of the ‘Make in
India Mittelstand’ Programme, which supports German Mittelstand enterprises
seeking to invest and do business in India. In a similar vein, both governments
also recognised the key role played by start-ups in fostering innovation, and
commended the German Accelerator (GA) for successfully facilitating start-ups
to address the Indian market, and welcomed plans to establish its presence in
India. Both sides noted that a corresponding programme to assist Indian
start-ups in gaining market access in Germany could further enhance economic
cooperation between the two countries.
Strengthening Labour Markets, Mobility and People-to-People Ties
51. As bilateral cooperation on skilled migration expands across multiple
fronts, involving collaboration between federal and state governments, as well
as private sector stakeholders, both sides committed to full implementation of
the provisions of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA). In
line with the commitments outlined in the MMPA both sides remain dedicated to
promoting fair and legal labor migration. This approach is guided by
international standards that ensure migrant workers are treated with dignity
and respect, including fair recruitment practices, transparent visa processes,
and the protection of workers' rights. By focusing on these principles, both
countries aim to facilitate the mobility of skilled workers in a manner that
benefits all parties while safeguarding against exploitation and ensuring
compliance with international labor standards.
52. Building on the MMPA, the two sides concluded a JDI in the field of
Employment and Labour, to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchange in areas
of mutual interest between the respective ministries. The German side informed
that it will support a feasibility study on international reference
classification, a G20 commitment undertaken by the Indian G20 presidency in
2023. Both leaders look forward to the signing of the Memorandum of
Understanding in the field of occupational diseases, rehabilitation and
vocational training of workers with disabilities between the Employees’ State
Insurance Corporation (ESIC), the Directorate General of Employment (DGE) and
the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).
53. Both leaders noted that Indian professionals comprise over 1/4th of all
blue card holders in Germany and that Indian students now represent the largest
cohort of international students in Germany. Regarding this, they recognized
the complementarities that exist between the requirements of skills and talents
in Germany and the vast reservoir of young, educated and skilled persons in
India, who can be an asset to the German labour market. The Federal Employment
Agency will deepen the existing exchange with the National Skill Development
Council, India (NSDC) and other similar Government agencies at national and
state levels. Both sides welcomed the launch of the new national strategy of
the German Federal government to promote skilled migration from India.
54. Both leaders also expressed satisfaction on the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding on Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training which
would leverage the strengths of India and Germany towards creating a pool of
skilled workforce in India and strengthening the participation of women,
especially in the areas of green skills. Both sides agreed to include elements
of facilitating international mobility of labour.
55. Both sides remain committed to the goal of expanding the teaching of the
German language in India, including in secondary schools, universities and
vocational education centers. They encouraged Indian and German States, culture
centers and educational institutions to further promote the teaching of each
other’s languages in India and Germany, including the training of language
teachers. Both sides welcomed the joint efforts of the DAAD and the Goethe
Institute to develop a format for the formalized training and further education
of German teachers leading to a university certificate recognized in India.
56. Both sides reaffirmed the contribution of highly skilled professionals for
economic growth, noted with satisfaction the results achieved under the
programme "Partnering in Business with Germany”, and renewed the JDI on
advanced training of corporate executives and junior executives from India.
57. With the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA), both sides
also agreed to address irregular migration. For this purpose, both sides
established a cooperation in the field of return since the entry into force of
the MMPA. Both sides welcomed the progress achieved so far and underline the
importance of further developing and streamlining cooperation through
appropriate procedural arrangements.
58. The leaders welcomed the growing ties between the two sides and their
respective nationals. They acknowledged the wide range of Consular issues
stemming from these growing ties and the need for dialogue on all matters
related to Consular issues. They agreed to work towards early establishment of
an appropriate format for a bilateral dialogue on various Consular, Visa and
other issues affecting nationals of the other side residing in their respective
territories.
59. Both sides acknowledged the role of their youth as cultural ambassadors and
catalysts for innovation and promoting people – people linkages between the two
countries. In this context, both leaders stressed on the importance of youth
cooperation and noted the proposal for establishing forum for youth exchanges
and delegations between both sides. Both sides also agree to facilitate student
exchanges on a mutual basis.
60. Both sides noted with satisfaction the substantial work being done in the
field of culture and welcomed efforts towards expanding scope of the Memorandum
of Understanding on Museum Cooperation between Indian and German national museums
such as the Prussian Heritage Foundation and the National Gallery of Modern
Art, India.
61. In line with the G20 New Delhi Leader’s Declaration (2023), both leaders
underscored the intention to cooperate closely with regards to the restitution
and protection of cultural goods and the fight against illicit trafficking of
cultural property at national, regional and state levels to enable its return
and restitution to the country and community of origin as relevant, and called
for sustained dialogue and action in that endeavour.
62. Both Governments also appreciated substantial cultural and academic
exchanges made possible via initiatives such as the establishment of Indian
academic chairs at universities in Germany.
63. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the deliberations held at the 7th
IGC and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the
Indo-German Strategic Partnership. Chancellor Scholz thanked Prime Minister
Modi for his warm hospitality and conveyed that Germany looks forward to
hosting the next IGC.