Chancellor of Germany to undertake 3rd visit to India

New Delhi, Oct 21: The Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, will visit India from October 24 to 26 marking his third visit in less than two years. Chancellor Scholz, who previously visited India in February 2023 for a bilateral state visit and again in September 2023 for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, will co-chair the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) with Prime Minister Modi.

The 7th IGC, a unique platform that brings together ministers from both governments, is aimed at fostering collaboration on issues of mutual interest. Senior members of Chancellor Scholz’s cabinet will accompany him, with each minister participating in discussions related to their area of expertise. These talks will culminate in a report to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor on October 25.

During his visit, Chancellor Scholz will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi, focusing on a range of critical areas. High on the agenda will be enhanced cooperation in defence and security, highlighting Germany's increasing interest in the Indo-Pacific, and India’s strategic importance in the region. The two leaders will also discuss the facilitation of greater mobility of skilled professionals between India and Germany, in line with both nations’ goals to harness global talent.

Additionally, economic cooperation will be a key point of discussion. Germany is India's largest trading partner in the European Union, and this visit is expected to explore ways to deepen economic ties, particularly through the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership.

Both countries have shown a shared commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, and cooperation in emerging and strategic technologies including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digitalization will be central to these discussions.

Moreover, the leaders will exchange views on regional and global developments, reaffirming their shared values of democracy, multilateralism, and the rules-based international order. The talks come at a time when both India and Germany are navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, from the Indo-Pacific to Europe’s security concerns amid rising global tensions.

In addition to the IGC, Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Modi will jointly address the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) in New Delhi on October 25. This biennial event serves as a major platform for dialogue between business leaders, policymakers, and executives from Germany and the Indo-Pacific region.

The conference, which is expected to attract around 650 top business leaders and CEOs, will focus on boosting trade and investment between Germany and countries in the Indo-Pacific, with India being a key participant.

Given Germany's status as one of India's most significant trading partners, the APK will provide a valuable opportunity for both nations to further enhance economic cooperation. Sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy are likely to see increased engagement as both sides look to capitalize on synergies that align with their respective growth strategies.

Travel to Goa

Following his engagements in New Delhi, Chancellor Scholz will travel to Goa, where Germany’s naval frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the combat support ship Frankfurt am Main will make a scheduled port call as part of Germany’s Indo-Pacific deployment. This naval visit underscores Germany’s growing strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific, a region of increasing importance for global trade and security.

Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which emphasises the importance of a free, open, and rules-based order, aligns with India’s own vision for the region. The port call is part of broader efforts to bolster maritime cooperation between the two nations, reflecting Germany’s commitment to supporting India in maintaining security and stability in the region.

A Strategic Partnership: A Look at India-Germany Relations

India and Germany share a robust strategic partnership, established in 2000 and strengthened over the years through sustained cooperation across a wide array of sectors. As 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of this strategic partnership, both nations are celebrating key milestones, including 50 years of collaboration in science and technology. Over the decades, their partnership has grown to encompass defence, trade, climate change, innovation, and global governance.

Germany’s investment in India, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology, has been pivotal in driving economic ties, while India’s expanding tech sector continues to attract German interest. The Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, launched in 2022, has further accelerated cooperation in clean energy and environmental sustainability—areas of shared priority for both nations.

As Chancellor Scholz prepares for his official visit, there is growing anticipation that this latest round of high-level talks will set the stage for even deeper ties between Germany and India. From defence and strategic technologies to mobility, trade, and climate action, the visit is expected to reaffirm the two countries' shared commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century.