India, Germany Successfully Conclude Development Policy Negotiations

India and Germany have successfully concluded development policy negotiations. Photo: Shutterstock

2 minutes of reading Last update: 21 Sep 2024 | 13:55 IST

India and Germany have successfully concluded negotiations on development policy, strengthening cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, urban development, mobility and agro-ecology, an official statement from the German Embassy said.

The talks, held in New Delhi, were hosted by the Department of Economic Affairs (Indian Ministry of Finance) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The two nations pledged to further develop the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, launched in 2022 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Barbara Schafer, head of the German delegation, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “Germany and India have a long-standing, trusting and strategic partnership. This was further demonstrated in 2024 by both sides.”

Schafer noted that the launch of the ‘India-Germany Platform for Investments in Renewable Energy Worldwide’ at the 4th REInvest in Gandhinagar marked a significant milestone in their cooperation. She added that Germany is fulfilling its international commitments by supporting various sectors in India, including climate-resilient agriculture and infrastructure development, a press release said.

Thanks to Indo-German cooperation, modern transmission lines spanning 7,700 kilometres have already been built, and German funding has contributed to metro projects in Mumbai, Surat and Ahmedabad, as well as the construction of a water metro in Kochi.

Schafer emphasized the broader impact of their partnership: “Germany is supporting Indian farmers to make their agricultural production more climate-resilient, resource-efficient and sustainable.” She also mentioned ongoing triangular projects in Peru and several African countries.

The results of these negotiations prepare the ground for the upcoming Indo-German government consultations to be held in New Delhi in October 2024. Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz are expected to further build on the progress made, the press release said.

Uwe Gehlen, Head of German Development Cooperation in India, noted: “The term ‘sustainable energy transition’ takes on new meaning as Germany and India combine their unique capabilities, setting a positive example not only in their own countries but also around the world.”

This year, Germany has allocated more than €1 billion to initiatives including concessional loans and technical cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, urban development, forest ecosystems, water management and sustainable agriculture.

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First published: 21 Sep 2024 | 13:55 IST