The visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is on a bilateral visit to India to co-chair the 5th Inter-Governmental consultation meet, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
This is the German Chancellor’s 4th visit to India during her tenure.
She was earlier accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Post this she paid her respects to Mahatma Gandhi at the Gandhi Smriti.
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The two nations signed 5 Joint Declarations of Intent and 16 other Memorandum of understanding (MOU’s)/ Agreements.
Here is the complete list of the documents:
- Joint Declaration of intent on further consultations for the period of 2020-2024,
- Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of strategic project,
- Joint Declaration of Intent on Indo-German partnership in Green Mobility,
- Joint Declaration of intent on prevention of Marine littering,
- Joint Declaration of Intent for Joint cooperation on Research and Development (R&D) in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI),
- MOU on Exchange of Personnel from Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO),
- Joint Declaration of intent on cooperation in the field of civil aviation,
- Joint Declaration of intent on collaboration with the International Smart Cities Network,
- Joint Declaration of cooperation in the field of skill development and vocational educational training,
- Joint Declaration of intent to strengthen economic cooperation in Start up’s,
- Joint Declaration on development of Agricultural market development,
- MOU on collaboration in occupational diseases, rehabilitation and vocational training of the disabled,
- MOU on cooperation in Inland, coastal and maritime technology cooperation,
- MOU on cooperation in the field of Science and Technology,
- MOU on Academic collaboration in the field of Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation,
- MOU on extension of cooperation in the field of Higher Education,
- MOU on development of Agricultural technology and productivity,
- MOU on skill development for sustainable growth,
- MOU on collaboration between Museums of the two nations,
- MOU on sports cooperation in Football
- Statement of Intent on Migration and Mobility.
India and Germany have been strategic partners since 2001.
The Prime Minister remarked that German technical prowess and economic powerhouse capabilities are needed to build a new India. In recent times, trade and investments have increased between the two countries. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Germany from 2000-2019 into India has been US $11.7 Billion.
Later in the day, the two leaders met business leaders from Germany and India. The Indian Prime Minister asked the German business houses to take advantage of the ‘Ease of doing business’ in India and invest in its bright future.
The two leaders visited the Gandhi Smriti and the German Chancellor said that Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace is very much relevant in today’s world.
The visiting dignitary called on the President of India later in the day. The latter stressed on the importance of a multi polar world and reiterated India and Germany’s claims to permanent membership at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
On Saturday, the German Chancellor is expected to meet automobile manufacturers and business entities associated with them in Manesar, Gurgaon before she concludes her visit to India.