Crafting Comfort: The Future of Footwear in India
An article by Gagandeep Kohli, CEO of NoStrain India is the world’s second-largest footwear producer, after China, as was previously…
BERLIN: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at his first stop here of his four nation Europe visit after leaving New Delhi on Monday morning..
Prime Minister Modi, on his second visit to Germany, will hold extensive talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at her official Meseberg Country Retreat where the two leaders would discuss the entire gamut of key issues, including trade and commerce, investment and counter-terrorism.
Both Mr. Modi and Chancellor Merkel will interact with top business leaders of both the countries to further strengthen trade and investment ties. The Fourth India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations to boost bi-lateral ties is likely to top the agenda.
In a pre-departure statement on Facebook, Mr. Modi laid out the grounds for these consultations. ÂIndia and Germany are large democracies, major economies and important players in regional and global affairs. Their strategic partnership is based on democratic values and commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based global order. Germany is a valuable partner in our development initiatives and German competencies fit well the vision for India’s transformation.Â
Germany is India’s leading partner in trade, technology and investment. This visit is expected to open a new chapter in India’s bilateral cooperation with Germany and further deepen the Strategic Partnership.
The two nations will also chart out a future roadmap of cooperation with focus on trade and investment, security and counter-terrorism, innovation and science and technology, skill development, urban infrastructure, railways and civil aviation, clean energy, development cooperation, health and alternative medicine.
Currently, there are 1600 German companies active in India, and nearly 600 joint ventures with Indian companies. In manufacturing, Germany can play an important role in PM’s initiative Make in India and Skill India.
India and Germany share common concerns on some international issues like the expansion of UN Security Council and terrorism.
In a series of messages on social media platform before embarking on the four-nation visit, the Prime Minister hoped that this visit will open a new chapter in bilateral relations with Germany and further deepen strategic partnership.
Mr Modi said, India will seek active participation of Spanish industry in various Indian projects including infrastructure, smart cities, digital economy, renewable energy, defence and tourism. Mr. Modi also expressed his commitment to strengthening and advancing India’s multi faceted partnership with France which is India’s 9th largest investment partner.
The Prime Minister further said, he is looking forward to visit St.Petersburg in this special year as India and Russia celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Indian Ambassador to Germany Muktha Dutta Tomar has said that Germany is a valued partner for India and Prime MinisterÂs visit will reiterate the strength and the valued relationship of both the countries further. In an interview to All India Radio, the Ambassador said that the Intergovernmental consultation will provide a road-map of Indo-German collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, skill development, security and counter terrorism co-operation.
She said that Germany was among the top ten countries investing in India. India has lent support to 74 small and medium enterprises planning to invest 650 million Euros in the country.
From Germany, Mr. Modi will head to Spain, Russia and then France.
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