New Delhi (EFE).- Trade between Germany and India, the fight against climate change and the Russian invasion of Ukraine focused this Saturday on the first day of an official visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to the Asian country.
“Cooperation between the two countries is of great importance, and there are plenty of areas where we can increase our cooperation, first of all in economic matters,” Scholz said at an event where he was accompanied by Indian Prime Minister Narendra. Modi.
The chancellor noted that currently some 1,800 German companies operate in India and have created tens of thousands of jobs.
“They are among the largest foreign investors in the country, and our intention is to strengthen and expand this cooperation,” Scholz said.
The issues discussed between the two leaders include collaboration in digital technologies, with Germany especially interested in “attracting and recruiting talent” from India, as well as the fight against climate change and the transition to renewable energy.
Modi pointed out for his part that Germany, “in addition to being our main trading partner with Europe, is also an important source of investment in India.”
“India and Germany are working together to collaborate on green and sustainable partnerships, climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals, green hydrogen and biofuels,” the Indian Prime Minister said.
Both leaders also discussed a free trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU), whose negotiations began in 2007 but were paralyzed in 2013. The treaty was relaunched in 2021, during a summit held in the Portuguese city of Porto. .
“We want to deepen trade relations between the European Union and India, and that is why we have strongly spoken about the need to quickly conclude negotiations on a free trade and investment protection agreement,” said Scholz, who will deal “personally ” that there are no further delays.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also figured prominently in bilateral talks, coinciding with the first anniversary of the start of hostilities and the ongoing meeting in the southern city of Bangalore of G20 finance chiefs.
Scholz said he hoped India would “do what is necessary” to push through with a clear condemnation of the war, while Modi highlighted India’s emphasis “on resolving this dispute through dialogue and diplomacy.”