German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Visit India for Key Inter-Governmental Consultations

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit India in late October for Inter-Governmental Consultations aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation. The agenda includes digital transformation, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. The visit underscores the long-standing diplomatic ties between Germany and India.

German Ambassador to India Philipp Ackermann announced on Thursday that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will visit India by the end of October for Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC). Speaking to ANI, Ackermann said, "Germany and India are committed to a biennial rhythm of intergovernmental consultations, and this fall, it's Delhi's turn. Last time, Prime Minister Modi came to Berlin in the spring of 2022. Now, we are waiting for the Chancellor and a group of his cabinet ministers to come at the end of October."

Highlighting the important agendas for the visit, Ackermann affirmed, "We will have a very rich agenda of subjects that will be discussed at many levels. Ministers will have bilateral talks with their counterparts, and the Chancellor will meet with the Prime Minister in a bilateral meeting. The whole group will then come together - the Indian side and the German side, to decide on the roadmap for the next two years. It's a very important meeting," he added.

In May 2022, PM Modi visited Berlin for the 6th Indo-German Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC). During their talks, both leaders acknowledged digital transformation as a key driver for technological, economic, and societal change. They signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) establishing a Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, with Germany committing to invest at least 10 billion Euros until 2030, aiming to foster long-term partnerships in R&D and encourage private investment. Both sides stressed the importance of swift implementation of existing and future commitments.

Chancellor Scholz emphasized Germany's readiness to continue and expand its close cooperation with India on global matters. Germany and India have enjoyed over seven decades of diplomatic relations, with a shared interest in strengthening multilateral cooperation and promoting a sustainable digital economy. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)