India and Germany voiced concern on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia on Friday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that New Delhi is ready to make every possible contribution to the restoration of peace.
At the 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described India as an anchor of stability and requested Modi to work jointly to bring about political solutions to the twin conflicts that have been raging for long.
"The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of concern for both countries. India has always been of the view that war cannot be a solution to problems. India is ready to make every possible contribution for the restoration of peace," Modi said, with the visiting German chancellor by his side.
At the IGC, the two sides signed 18 agreements and documents, including a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters and an agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information.
"The growing cooperation in the defence and security sectors reflects our deep mutual trust. The agreement on the exchange of classified information is a new step in this direction. The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty signed today will further bolster our joint efforts to combat terrorism and separatist elements," Modi said.
The prime minister said India and Germany are constantly working on their shared commitment to green and sustainable growth.
"Today, taking our Green and Sustainable Development Partnership forward, we have agreed on the second phase of the Green Urban Mobility Partnership. Additionally, the Green Hydrogen Roadmap has also been launched," he said.
Modi said he and Scholz agree that the global forums established in the 20th century are inadequate to address the challenges of the 21st century.
"There is a need for reforms in multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council," the prime minister said.
The German chancellor is scheduled to visit Goa on Saturday. German naval ships are making port calls in the coastal state after participating in the Maritime Partnership Exercise in the Indian Ocean.
The bilateral talks also touched upon India's ambitious plans to build six advanced submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion systems.
Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is vying for the submarine deal with the Indian Navy, with Spanish company Navantia also being a competitor.
Scholz asserted that Germany wants more skilled Indians.
"Talent is welcome in the German labour market," he said, adding that while Germany is reducing irregular migration, the European country remains open to skilled workers.
Modi said people-to-people connections are an important pillar of the India-Germany relationship.
"Today, we have decided to work together in skill development and vocational education. An agreement has also been signed between the IIT-Chennai and the Dresden University, which will allow our students to take advantage of a dual-degree programme," he said.
The prime minister said India's young talent pool is contributing to the progress and prosperity of Germany.
"We welcome the Skilled Labour Strategy released by Germany for India. I am confident that our young talent pool will get better opportunities to contribute to Germany's development," he said.
Earlier, initiating the IGC, Modi said the strategic partnership between India and Germany has emerged as a strong anchor at a time when the world is facing tensions, conflicts, and uncertainty.
The prime minister said the India-Germany ties are a transformational partnership of two capable and strong democracies and not a transactional relationship.
He recalled that this is Scholz's third visit to India, which marks the "triple celebration" of the friendship between India and Germany.
Modi also welcomed the "Focus on India" strategy announced by Germany.
Modi and Scholz also addressed the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024, which was held in India after a gap of 12 years and attended by more than 650 business leaders.
The IGC framework was launched in 2011. It allows for a comprehensive review of cooperation and identification of new areas of engagement between the two countries across various sectors.
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