"India, Germany have strong ties," states Indian PM Modi || Picture Courtesy: Google Images

New Delhi, India: India and Germany, according to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, have close ties that are built on a commitment to democracy and a thorough knowledge of one another’s interests.

PM Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed the history of cultural and economic interchange between their countries during a news conference.

“Based on similar democratic values and a thorough understanding of one another’s interests, India and Germany maintain close ties. Also, there has been a long history of economic and cultural contact between the two nations, “said PM Modi.

“We have a long history of trading. Our largest trading partner in Europe is Germany,” he added. German Scholz and PM Modi reportedly spoke about bilateral, regional, and global challenges.

He emphasised that the growing collaboration between Germany and India is not only advantageous for both countries but also conveys a positive message to the rest of the globe.

“In recent years, ties between the two countries peoples have significantly improved. The “Made in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” programmes are currently creating new possibilities across all industries. Germany’s engagement in these chances gives us hope,” added PM Modi.

Germany, according to PM Modi, is a significant source of foreign investment in India. “Germany is not just our top trading partner in Europe; it is also a significant investor in India. India and Germany have strong ties since they share democratic ideals and care about each other’s interests,” he mentioned.

He continued, “Cooperation in security and defence might develop into a significant tenet of our strategic alliance. We’ll keep working together to fully achieve the potential we have in this field.”

Prior to it, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted delegation-level discussions. The meeting was also attended by the external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, the national security adviser, Ajit Doval, and other dignitaries.

Incidentally, Scholz began a two-day trip to India today when he arrived in New Delhi.

Olaf Scholz was welcomed by PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House for the bilateral discussions. When they smiled for the cameras, both presidents exchanged handshakes.

Olaf Scholz declared on his official Twitter account that Germany and India have “extremely good relations” and added that he wants to further them.

“I was graciously welcomed by Prime Minister @narendramodi in sunny New Delhi. We have already had four meetings. Germany and India are working to improve their already excellent ties. Our discussions will centre on that and, more crucially, the state of the world’s peace,” Scholz tweeted.

Scholz will also have a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu during his visit. On February 26, he would depart for Bengaluru, according to a formal announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the Inter-Governmental Consultation (IGC) mechanism between the two countries was established in 2011, Scholz’s trip to India is the first solo one by a German Chancellor.