 "India PM Narendra Modi with Germany chancellor Olaf Scholz. File Photo.")
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has embarked on a two-day visit to Germany starting today. During his stay in Berlin, Jaishankar is scheduled to meet with German Federal Foreign Minister and other senior officials to review the comprehensive scope of bilateral relations and identify new opportunities for cooperation.
This visit aims to lay the groundwork for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s anticipated trip to India next month. Germany is a crucial trading partner for India and a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Here are 7 key things to know about India-Germany ties ahead of the state visit:
1. Strategic discussions: Jaishankar’s visit is focused on strengthening bilateral relations between India and Germany. Meetings with key German leaders will address various aspects of their partnership and seek avenues for increased collaboration.
2. Preparation for Scholz’s visit: The visit is intended to prepare for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s forthcoming visit to India. Scholz’s trip is expected to further enhance the strategic ties between the two countries.
3. Economic ties: Germany is one of India’s significant trading partners and a leading contributor of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The two countries have a strong economic relationship that is central to their bilateral engagements.
4. Israel-Palestinian conflict: Prior to his visit to Germany, Dr. Jaishankar emphasised India’s position on the Palestinian issue, advocating for a ceasefire and a resolution through a two-State solution. He condemned terrorism and hostage-taking, expressing concern over civilian casualties.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts5. GCC meet: Jaishankar recently co-chaired the inaugural India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Joint Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh. There, he stressed on the importance of deeper collaboration with GCC countries to stabilise energy markets and enhance energy security. During his visit to the GCC, Dr. Jaishankar held meetings with Foreign Ministers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait, focusing on mutual investment and shared prosperity.
6. Upcoming Geneva visit: On the final leg of his trip, Dr. Jaishankar will visit Geneva from September 12 to 13. He plans to meet with representatives from various international organizations and the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between India and Switzerland.