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Germany and India to strengthen strategic partnership
Sun, 23.04.2006
Photo: REGIERUNGonline / Fassbender
Working together to formulate energy strategies.
Context
Cooperation between the two countries is to be expanded in the areas of trade, science and technology. This was agreed between Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a meeting in Hanover on April 23. In the evening they officially opened the Hanover Fair, the world's largest technology fair. India is this year's 'partner country' and is represented by 343 exhibitors.
In a joint statement issued in connection with Singh's four-day visit to Germany, the two governments indicated that they will continue to strengthen their relationship, based on shared democratic values and interests.
the German government announced it intends to formulate a national energy strategy extending to the year 2020.
>> National energy summit on April 3
An effort is to be made to promote the role played by small and medium-sized enterprises in expanding trade between the two countries. The volume of bilateral trade rose by 20 percent last year alone.
In the year 2000 India and Germany set up an "Agenda for German-Indian Partnership in the 21st century". This agenda is being continued.
>> Germany-India Joint Statement
Working together to strengthen multilateralism
Germany and India will continue to work together to promote reform of the United Nations and the UN Security Council.
Merkel and Singh agreed that international unity is needed in addressing Iran's nuclear plans.
Singh seeks acceptance of Indian nuclear strategy
Asked about its recently concluded agreement with the United States, Singh said India is a responsible nuclear power, citing the country's strict export rules in compliance with international requirements. He said an expansion of the country's nuclear program will not involve any risk regarding the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Merkel indicated that Germany will reserve judgement until ratification of the agreement with the United States has been completed, but called Singh's stated commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons very important.
This role at the world's largest industrial fair is a reflection of growing interest in India as a global trading partner. In her opening statement Merkel said the world's largest democracy had become "a driving force for globalization" while retaining its cultural identity.
Singh expressed confidence that India's presence at the fair will promote cooperation between German and Indian companies, particularly in the high-tech sector.
Intercultural and business dialogue
Merkel noted that India is a "natural" in the area of intercultural dialogue, given the numerous cultures that live side by side on the subcontinent, peacefully for the most part. "India has shown that democracy is possible and can succeed in difficult circumstances," Merkel said.
On April 24 Merkel and Singh will take part in a joint walkabout at the fair and attend an Indo-German business summit where leading management representatives from both countries will discuss present and future opportunities for cooperation.
On April 25 Singh will hold meetings in Berlin with President Horst Köhler, Speaker of Parliament Norbert Lammert, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Economics Minister Michael Glos. He is also scheduled to meet privately with former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.
| Cooperation is to be expanded in the energy sector. A German-Indian energy forum made up of representatives of the governments as well as companies from both countries is to be charged with the task of formulating a strategy with a view to helping to safeguard political and economic independence in the energy sector. Environmental factors are to play a significant role in this. Merkel noted that a reliable energy base with a sensible energy mix is one of the most important challenges facing countries in the 21st century. At a meeting held on April 3, |
the German government announced it intends to formulate a national energy strategy extending to the year 2020.
>> National energy summit on April 3
An effort is to be made to promote the role played by small and medium-sized enterprises in expanding trade between the two countries. The volume of bilateral trade rose by 20 percent last year alone.
| Merkel noted that India is an important trading partner with growing economic potential, adding that Germany is making use of specific strengths, for instance in the machine-building sector, to be a good partner for India. She observed that the German machine-building industry has the largest number of patent applications in the world. Merkel announced that the German EU Presidency next year will be used to promote dialogue between India and the European Union. |
In the year 2000 India and Germany set up an "Agenda for German-Indian Partnership in the 21st century". This agenda is being continued.
>> Germany-India Joint Statement
Working together to strengthen multilateralism
Germany and India will continue to work together to promote reform of the United Nations and the UN Security Council.
Merkel and Singh agreed that international unity is needed in addressing Iran's nuclear plans.
Singh seeks acceptance of Indian nuclear strategy
Asked about its recently concluded agreement with the United States, Singh said India is a responsible nuclear power, citing the country's strict export rules in compliance with international requirements. He said an expansion of the country's nuclear program will not involve any risk regarding the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Merkel indicated that Germany will reserve judgement until ratification of the agreement with the United States has been completed, but called Singh's stated commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons very important.
| Merkel noted that a strengthening of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and progress in nuclear disarmament continue to be key objectives for the German government. "We will discuss with our Indian partners how a solution can be found that will be of benefit to everyone concerned and, at the same, time draw India closer to the international non-proliferation regime," Merkel said. India at the Hanover Fair India is the official partner country at this year's Hanover Fair, holding out opportunities for new contacts and cooperation with Indian companies. |
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This role at the world's largest industrial fair is a reflection of growing interest in India as a global trading partner. In her opening statement Merkel said the world's largest democracy had become "a driving force for globalization" while retaining its cultural identity.
Singh expressed confidence that India's presence at the fair will promote cooperation between German and Indian companies, particularly in the high-tech sector.
Intercultural and business dialogue
Merkel noted that India is a "natural" in the area of intercultural dialogue, given the numerous cultures that live side by side on the subcontinent, peacefully for the most part. "India has shown that democracy is possible and can succeed in difficult circumstances," Merkel said.
On April 24 Merkel and Singh will take part in a joint walkabout at the fair and attend an Indo-German business summit where leading management representatives from both countries will discuss present and future opportunities for cooperation.
On April 25 Singh will hold meetings in Berlin with President Horst Köhler, Speaker of Parliament Norbert Lammert, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Economics Minister Michael Glos. He is also scheduled to meet privately with former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.
