New Delhi: Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held in-depth discussions with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, during his visit to Berlin, strengthening the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. Their discussions spanned several crucial areas, including trade, defence, security, and the current geopolitical crises in Ukraine and Gaza.Jaishankars Berlin visit follows his participation in the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Saudi Arabia. The Indian minister tweeted about the productive meeting, emphasizing the focus on trade, investment, green development, and technological collaboration. He also addressed key global issues, including the Ukraine conflict, Gaza crisis, and Indo-Pacific developments.Strengthening strategic partnershipWe took stock of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, with a particular focus on trade, investment, green & sustainable development, skilled workers mobility, technology, and defence & security, Mr Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter). He added that he looked forward to hosting Ms Baerbock in India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations. In a joint press statement with Baerbock, Jaishankar revealed that their discussions also touched on Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to Ukraine, the situation in West Asia, particularly the ongoing Gaza conflict, and the potential regional impact of these developments.Defence and security cooperationDefence and security cooperation between India and Germany has intensified, according to Jaishankar. He highlighted this years first-ever joint air exercises and expressed hope that Germany would send naval ships to Goa next month. We would like to explore deeper collaboration between our defence industries, he stated.The ministers also discussed the European Union and upcoming bilateral agreements. We hope to accelerate progress on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU and other pending agreements, Jaishankar remarked, emphasizing Germanys role in this process.Trade, industrial cooperationJaishankar underscored Indias plans to establish 12 new industrial zones, presenting opportunities for further India-Germany cooperation. Trade between the two nations stands at around $30 billion annually, with Germanys investments amounting to approximately $25 million. There is still vast potential to be tapped, he noted, highlighting Germanys importance as a partner in Indias growth and development.Recalling the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed during Baerbocks visit to India in December 2022, Jaishankar praised the smooth movement of skilled workers between the two nations. He revealed that 125,000 Indian professionals are currently working in Germany under this agreement.Global engagementThe two foreign ministers also discussed their shared aspirations for a more prominent role in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Both countries, active in various international programs, are also collaborating in third countries. They will meet again later this month at the UN General Assembly in New York to continue discussions on global issues, including reforming the UN.
