PM Modi & German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hold talks in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, February 25, said India is encouraged by Germany's interest in opportunities arising out of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

In his press statement after holding talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New Delhi, Mr Modi said Chancellor Scholz understands the many possibilities of India-German ties. He said they discussed issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister India and Germany have strong ties, based on shared democratic values, and a deep understanding of each other's interests.

He added that there is also a long history of cultural and economic exchange between the two countries.

He said the increasing cooperation between the two largest democratic economies of the world is not only beneficial for the people of both countries, it also sends a positive message in today's stress-ridden world.

The leaders reviewed progress on key outcomes of the 6th Inter-Governmental Consultation held in May last year.

They discussed ways to strengthen defence and economic cooperation, enhance talent mobility and widen Science and Technology collaboration.

This is the fourth time that the two leaders met in the span of a year, underscoring the mutual commitment to the growth of the Indo-German partnership.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in New Delhi this morning on a two-day visit to India. He is accompanied by senior officials and a high-powered business delegation.

He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The two Leaders also interacted with CEOs and business leaders of both sides. Chancellor Scholz will call on President Droupadi Murmu.

This is the German Chancellor's first visit to India in his current role.

This is the first standalone visit of a German Chancellor to India since the biennial Inter-Governmental Consultation mechanism commenced in 2011.

The Inter-Governmental Consultation is a whole-of-government framework under which Ministers from both countries hold discussions in their respective areas of responsibility and report on the outcome of discussions to the Prime Minister and Chancellor.

The India-Germany Strategic Partnership is underpinned by shared values, trust and mutual understanding.

Robust investment and trade linkages, cooperation in the areas of green and sustainable development and growing people-to-people ties have strengthened bilateral relations.

India and Germany also work closely at multilateral and international platforms, notably as part of the G4 for UNSC reforms.