German strengths and India’s priorities are aligned: PM Modi

New Delhi, Oct. 5 : Asserting that German strengths and India’s priorities are aligned, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said both nations can be strong partners in advancing a sustainable future for the world.

Prime Minister Modi, who co-chaired the third India-German Intergovernmental Consultations with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Hyderabad House here, said this mechanism is certainly unique and added that it has brought about all round growth in the relations between both sides.

“In the course of the past year, our two sides have deepened our relations. We see Germany as a natural partner for achieving India’s vision of India’s economic transformation,” said Prime Minister Modi.

“German strengths and India’s priorities are aligned. And, so is our mutual goodwill. Our focus tends to be on economic ties, I believe that in a world of seamless challenges and opportunities, India and Germany can also be strong partners in advancing a more human peaceful just and sustainable future for the world,” he added.

Asserting that India and Germany have a rich history of engagement, Prime Minister Modi said: “We share values comfort in our relations and a sense of responsibility to the world. Today we have met for around three hours, we will continue our dialogue here and in Bengaluru tomorrow. I was very pleased with our discussions and a broad range of outcome.”

The Prime Minister said the German reforms towards development agenda are very encouraging.

“We can look forward with confidence to increase investment, trade and technology partnership in manufacturing infrastructure and skill development. German engineering and Indian IT skills can create next generation industry that will be more efficient economical and environment friendly,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi said pointed out that the growing number of German companies in India will help in creating a global work force in the country.

“German cooperation and our systems in areas like smart cities, clean Ganga and waste management have taken a concrete shape. I admire German leadership in clean energy and commitment to combating climate change,” said Prime Minister Modi.

“I place great value on Germany’s assistance of over one billion euros each for India’s Green Energy Corridor and a new assistance package of over a billion euros for solar projects in India, ” he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said there is a need to change our temperament to combat climate change.

“We look forward to the COP-21 in Paris that strengthens the commitment and the ability of the world, especially of the poor and vulnerable countries to transition to sustainable growth,” he said.

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the partnership between both nations would also grow in areas like defence, manufacturing, trade in advance technology, intelligence and countering terrorism and radicalism.

He welcomed Germany’s strong support for India’s membership of the international export control regimes.

“As we discussed in the G4 Summit in New York, Chancellor and I are committed to pursue reforms of the United Nations, especially the Security Council,” said Prime Minister Modi.

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to congratulate Germany on 25 years of the country’s reunification.

“At this important milestone, you can look back at what you have accomplished at home and abroad,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi praised the German Chancellor, saying her leadership is a source of confidence and reassurance at our difficult moment with Europe and the world.

“You have chosen to visit India despite many concerns in your region. The strength of your delegation reflects the importance of relations that you attach with India, with which we approach the IGC,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked Merkel for return of the 10th century statue of Durga in her Mahishasurmardini avatar from Jammu and Kashmir.

“It symbolizes that the India and Germany partnership will be a force for the good in the world,” he added. (ANI)