Eager to add a new impetus to Indo-German ties under the Narendra Modi government, Germany on Monday said bilateral cooperation can be deepened in renewable energy, infrastructure, cleaning of rivers and vocational training besides high technology and the manufacturing sector.
Noting that there is a “lot to do”, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he had a “very good and constructive talks” with Mr. Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and others.
Giving details of his visit, the German Minister said, “I am here, because we also know in Germany that Prime Minister Modi has initiated huge reforms here in India and we know that there are high expectations not only from the normal people, but also from the businesses“.
Talking to reporters on the lawns of the India Gate, he underlined that the current situation in India was a “chance” for Germany.
“Chance for giving a new impetus to the Indo-German economic relations. And I think there is a lot to do,” he said.
Asked what were the areas that have the potential for deeper cooperation, he said, “There is an interest, in what I learnt with our exchange with your business community, with your Minister of Urbanisation, there is a big interest in cooperation in developing infrastructure for example, in developing smart cities, cleaning the rivers, renewable energy.
“I think these are branches, these are technologies where there are good chances for a close cooperation between India and Germany,” Mr. Steinmeier said.
Mr. Steinmeier said high technology and all fields of manufacturing are also the areas that can see deeper cooperation.
“Prime Minister Modi is very interested in our experience of vocational training...So therefore, training, vocational training is a relevant issue in our cooperation,” he said.
Mr. Steinmeier said he was happy that Mr. Modi announced that India will be part of the “biggest industrial fair worldwide,” Hannover Messe 2015.
Hoping that the country will participate in a big way, he said, “not only will we have a complete picture of the Indian economy but in the fringes and margins of these spheres, we will get the opportunity to continue what we started today. To define the branches and technologies in which we are looking for further and closer cooperation”.
He said there is also a need for closer cooperation in culture besides business and economy.
The Minister also conveyed the condolences of the German people the loss of lives in Kashmir floods.
Asked if the issue of al-Qaeda’s new video about upping its activities in Asia was discussed, he said, “I think the government is very aware of that and we will take the necessary measures.”
