EAM Jaishankar describes Germany as a crucial partner in accelerating India's growth and development
India continued to step up its engagement with key partners around the world as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on strengthening and expanding the India-Germany partnership. 

EAM Jaishankar used the opportunity provided by the meeting, held on Tuesday (September 10, 2024), to highlight sectors like semiconductors, electric mobility, and renewables as new opportunities for India-Germany cooperation. 

The meeting, during EAM Jaishankar's second visit to Germany this year, also saw discussions on trade and investment, green and sustainable development, technology and defence, and security.

“Held wide-ranging discussions with FM @ABaerbock in Berlin today. Took stock of India - Germany Strategic Partnership, with a focus on trade and investment, green & sustainable development, skilled workers’ mobility, technology and defence & security.

Exchanged views on Ukraine, Gaza and the Indo-Pacific region. Look forward to welcoming her in India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations,” EAM Jaishankar said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. 

The meeting set the stage for the upcoming Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in India which is expected to further cement the strategic partnership. The ministers acknowledged the need for ongoing and close consultation on various global issues to build a more robust framework of trust and cooperation.

In his statement to the press alongside Foreign Minister Baerbock, EAM Jaishankar referred to the clear roadmap post this year's general elections. India has initiated ambitious projects under its 100-day agenda which includes the creation of 12 new industrial zones aimed at boosting manufacturing and skilling programs. This expansion is linked closely with advancements in new technologies like semiconductors and electric mobility, areas where Indo-German cooperation is poised to grow.

“There is a strong focus on new and emerging technologies, including semiconductors, electric mobility, renewables etc. We believe that this can constitute new opportunities for India-Germany cooperation,” he pointed out.

EAM Jaishankar noted that "Germany is a crucial partner in accelerating our growth and development." The discussions also covered the operationalization of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, reinforcing commitments to a cleaner and more sustainable growth trajectory.

Trade & Investment, Migration & Mobility 

The two ministers further ventured into detailed discussions on enhancing cooperation within the European Union framework, particularly focusing on speeding up the Free Trade Agreement and reinforcing the newly proposed Trade and Technology Council. EAM Jaishankar underscored the importance of Germany’s support in these endeavours.

He also spoke about the potential when it comes to bilateral trade and investment. “Trade between us is probably in the range of about USD 30 billion annually. And I think investments from Germany are about 25 million USD, it’s somewhat less from our side. But what is clear is that there is still a vast potential still to be realized,” he pointed out.

Another significant highlight from the meetings was the emphasis on the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed during Foreign Minister Baerbock’s visit to India in December 2022. EAM Jaishankar expressed satisfaction with the smooth movement of skills and talent, evidenced by the significant number of Indian professionals and students in Germany, which has seen remarkable growth.

“Today there are 125,000 Indian nationals who are working in their professional capacity in Germany. Creating a legal global workplace is in our mutual interest. The number of Indian students in Germany has also grown, again I was very happy to get that number, which is 50000, I believe. And I thank you FM personally for your efforts in improving the speed and efficiency of visa issuance in India,” EAM Jaishankar remarked. 

During the talks, EAM Jaishankar highlighted several key areas of collaboration and mutual interest, ranging from global political issues to more focused bilateral agendas. Notably, discussions touched upon recent global events including Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine, and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region. 

The ministers also discussed the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. “Later this month, we will be heading to New York for the UNGA. This year there is a special Summit of the Future and Germany is one of the co-facilitators. We naturally discussed global issues and reforming the UN. Do remember that we are both aspiring for a more prominent role in the UN Security Council, EAM Jaishankar said.