Scholz visit: PM hails Germany call to increase visas for skilled Indians
- PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi, who met visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday, said that Berlin has decided to increase the number of visas for skilled Indians from 20,000 to 90,000 per year.
Highlights:
- During German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Germany's decision to raise annual visas for skilled Indian workers from 20,000 to 90,000. Speaking at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Businesses, Modi lauded Germany’s trust in India's skilled workforce, expressing optimism that this increase would boost Germany's economic growth.
Bilateral Talks and Global Issues:
- Modi and Scholz discussed various international issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in West Asia. Both leaders agreed on the importance of restoring peace, with Modi affirming India’s willingness to mediate.
- Scholz emphasized India’s role as a stabilizing force in South Asia and expressed support for India’s approach to achieving a just peace in Ukraine.
- On the West Asia conflict, Scholz highlighted the need to prevent further escalation, advocating for a ceasefire, hostage releases, and a two-state solution.
Indo-Pacific Security and Defence Cooperation:
- Addressing China’s assertive stance in the Indo-Pacific, Scholz stressed the importance of a rules-based international order and maritime freedom. Modi highlighted the expanding India-Germany partnership in defense and security, underscoring new agreements on classified information exchange and a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty to combat terrorism and separatism.
Transformative India-Germany Partnership:
- Modi defined the India-Germany relationship as transformational rather than transactional, marked by shared democratic values. Scholz also highlighted the need for reforms in multilateral organizations, including the UN Security Council, to address modern challenges.
Focus on Innovation, Green Energy, and Economic Cooperation:
- India and Germany signed eight agreements covering mutual legal assistance, classified information exchange, and roadmaps for green hydrogen, innovation, and technology. Both leaders emphasized enhancing economic ties, with Scholz advocating for a swift India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), stressing mutual economic benefits.
Emphasis on ‘Focus on India’ Strategy:
- Germany’s ‘Focus on India’ strategy was welcomed by Modi, who underscored the shift from a “whole of government” to a “whole of nation” approach to further deepen ties. Scholz echoed the sentiment, affirming the importance of India-Germany cooperation and calling for a closer defense partnership between the two nations.
Prelims Takeaways:
- 18th Asia-Pacific Conference
- India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)