India and Germany signed five declarations of intent and 11 pacts in areas like space, civil aviation, medicine and education, as visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi here as part of the 5th Inter-Governmental Consultations.
PM Modi in his address said that India and Germany have agreed to focus on enhancing cooperation in areas of new and advanced technology, artificial intelligence, skills, education and cybersecurity. Both countries have also agreed to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism.
The two countries have also agreed to explore cooperation in new areas like e-mobility, fuel cell technology, smart cities, inland waterways, coastal management, cleaning of rivers and climate change, he added.
“Our relations are based on democracy and rule of law, that is why we share same views on major issues of the world,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi also invited Germany to take advantage of opportunities in the field of defence production in defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
He said in the path of building a ‘New India’ by 2022, the expertise of technological and economic powerhouses like Germany would be useful.
PM Modi further thanked Germany for supporting India’s membership in export control regimes. He said that both countries will continue efforts and cooperation to reform the United Nations, UN Security Council and international order.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her address, said that her country intends to work very closely on sustainable development and climate protection.
She also invited more of Indian nationals to study in Germany and teachers for vocational training.