Scholz-Modi Meet: Announcement on Skilled Worker Visas, Eight Agreements Signed

PM Narendra Modi met the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New Delhi on Friday. Holding bilateral meetings, both the leaders discussed a range of issues and signed various agreements.

Increased Visas

In a move that reflects Germany’s trust in India’s skilled workforce, Scholz announces that Germany will increase the number of visas for skilled Indians, from 20,000 to 90,000 per year. This is expected to give a strong push to the German economy.

Global Peace Resolution

Conflict resolution remained the highlight of their discussions. They discussed the situation in Ukraine and West Asia. Scholz urged India to use its diplomatic relations to support peace in Ukraine. Reiterating India’s stand for peace, PM Modi mentioned that India and Germany can emerge as a ‘force for global good’.

Agreements Signed

Both countries signed multiple agreements to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation. PM Modi highlighted the existing collaborations between India and Germany in the sectors of defence and security. Signing the Mutual Legal Assistance treaty and the agreement on exchange of classified information, PM Modi said, “The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty concluded today will strengthen our joint efforts to deal with terrorism and separatist elements.” 

A total of eight documents were signed- mutual legal assistance treaty on criminal matters, agreement on the exchange and mutual protection of classified information, Indo-German green hydrogen roadmap, roadmap on innovation and technology, and declarations on employment and labour, R&D on advanced materials, green urban mobility and skill development.

Indo-German Relations

PM Modi welcomed Germany’s ‘Focus on India’ strategy, saying, “I am pleased that to strengthen and elevate our partnership, we are implementing several new, significant initiatives and shifting from a ‘whole of government’ to a ‘whole of nation’ approach.”

Cooperation with EU

The faster conclusion of the India-EU FTA was advocated by Scholz, who stated, “Equal benefits are gained by both India and Germany from this strong, trusting cooperation, particularly in economic ties. Germany has become India’s most significant trading partner within the European Union, and a strengthened, expanded link and cooperation are intended.” As Chancellor, an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU was strongly favored, with Scholz expressing confidence that both sides would benefit and calling for continued progress in that direction.

Institutional Reforms

Scholz voiced the need for reforms in multilateral institutions by suggesting that challenges of the 21^st century require reforms in the UN Security Council.

Following his visit to Delhi, Scholz will proceed to Goa, where the German naval frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and the combat support ship Frankfurt am Main are scheduled for a port call as part of Germany’s Indo-Pacific deployment.

Scholz, who arrived late on Thursday night, is on a three-day visit to India.