Chancellor Scholz Concludes Productive Three-Day Visit to India; Deepen Ties on Green Hydrogen, Defense and Talent Mobility

Pictures’ Credit: x.com/narendramodi & x.com/GermanyinIndia

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrapped up a successful three-day visit to India from October 24-26, 2024. The visit featured the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) co-chaired by the two leaders in New Delhi, highlighting the growing partnership between India and Germany across sectors like green technology, defense, and skilled labor migration. 

Diplomatic Warmth and Strategic Conversations 

Chancellor Scholz received a ceremonial welcome on October 24, with India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, greeting him at the airport. Modi warmly welcomed Scholz at his official residence the next morning setting the stage for what Scholz described as “critical and forward-looking conversations.”

“Welcomed my friend, Chancellor Scholz, to my residence in New Delhi.Glad to be meeting him and discussing a diverse range of issues that will add momentum to the India-Germany friendship. Our nations have a strong track record of developmental cooperation and we look forward to building on this in the times to come”, said PM Modi on social media platform X account. 

Reverberating the sentiment, the German Chancellor also posted on his X account stating, “In this world we need friends and allies — just like India and Germany”. “Herzlich willkommen in Neu Delhi! (Welcome to New Delhi),” tweeted Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. This visit marked Scholz’s third trip to India since taking office, following his bilateral visit in February 2023 and the G20 Summit in September 2023. 

Key Themes: Green Development, Trade, and Global Diplomacy 

A major focus of the visit was expanding cooperation in defense, green technologies, and skilled worker mobility. The leaders also addressed significant geopolitical issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. 

Scholz praised India’s diplomatic efforts, stating, “I am pleased about your readiness to contribute to the political solution of the conflict.” He emphasized India’s global role, noting, “India is not just a regional power; it is a global player with responsibilities.” This sentiment reflects Germany’s view of India as a key partner in addressing global challenges like climate change and security. The leaders discussed economic “de-risking” to promote trade diversification and reduce reliance on single markets for critical technologies. 

Scholz stated, “India is the anchor of stability in South Asia,” signaling Germany’s intention to deepen its partnership with India amidst shifting global dynamics. The visit coincided with the release of Germany’s “India Focus Paper,” a policy document outlining Germany’s vision for enhanced cooperation in technology, green energy, and education.

Innovation and Green Hydrogen Partnership 

A key outcome of the visit was the adoption of a Green Hydrogen Roadmap, aligning with Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy. Scholz declared, “India is set to be the global hub of green hydrogen. We want to be part of that.” The roadmap will facilitate joint research initiatives and innovation, positioning both countries as leaders in sustainable energy. 

IGC: Key Agreements 

The 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) provided a framework for ministers from both governments to discuss sector-specific issues. The discussions covered defense cooperation, education, labor migration, and trade. As a result, India and Germany signed 27 new cooperation agreements, including critical deals in renewable energy, defense technology, and mobility.

A key highlight was the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty, strengthening counterterrorism efforts and addressing cross-border crime. Defense cooperation took a prominent place, with both nations agreeing on “enhanced industry-level collaboration.” 

Trade, Talent and Mobility 

Chancellor Scholz and Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024) in New Delhi, attended by over 650 top executives and business leaders. Scholz emphasized the importance of the Indo-German economic partnership, stating, “Our overall message is clear: We need more cooperation, not less.” Modi highlighted India’s growing significance as a hub for global trade and manufacturing, urging the German delegation to “Make in India, Make for the World.” 

Germany committed to increasing the annual number of visas for skilled Indian workers from 20,000 to 90,000. Labour Minister Hubertus Heil expressed Germany’s intention to attract Indian professionals through streamlined visa processes. “We have developed a strategy for large-scale qualified immigration,” said Heil, addressing labor shortages as Germany aims to replace six million workers by 2035. Modi praised the expansion of migration pathways, noting that the increase in visas will give “new impetus to Germany’s growth.” Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called the collaboration a “win-win-win” for both countries. 

Strengthened Defense Collaboration 

Scholz concluded his visit in Goa, addressing students and greeting German sailors aboard naval vessels. He visited the German frigate Baden-Württemberg and the supply ship Frankfurt am Main, which recently conducted joint exercises with the Indian Navy. 

Scholz emphasized the importance of maritime security and collaborative approaches to Indo-Pacific challenges, discussing Germany’s interest in participating in India’s defense manufacturing stating “It’s important that our navy is involved in this to show that we strive for this together.” Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is eyeing a contract for six submarines for the Indian Navy.

The talks also addressed the long-delayed free trade agreement between the EU and India. Chancellor Scholz urged faster negotiations between the European Union and India, saying, “If we work on this together, it could happen in months rather than years.”

Regional Diplomacy: Focus on Ukraine and Middle East Peace 

Beyond bilateral issues, both leaders expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and reiterated their support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Scholz called for de-escalation and emphasized that “problems cannot be solved by war.” 

On Ukraine, he appreciated India’s neutral stance and welcomed its readiness to mediate, reflecting respect for India’s diplomatic aproach. During a candid interaction with students in Goa, Scholz humorously acknowledged the complexities of managing Germany’s coalition government.

A New Chapter in Indo-German Relations 

The visit concluded on a positive note, with both leaders optimistic about the future of bilateral ties. “This is the 25th year of the India-Germany strategic partnership, and the next 25 years will take it to new heights,” Modi stated. 

Summing up the visit, Scholz remarked, “We value India as a partner.” The Chancellor left Goa after addressing students and sailors, marking the end of a visit that set the stage for deeper cooperation across economic, technological, and defense sectors.

Conclusion: Shared Vision for the Future 

Chancellor Scholz’s three-day visit reaffirmed the importance of the India-Germany relationship, with both sides committed to addressing global challenges together. With a clear focus on green technologies, talent mobility, and defense collaboration, the visit laid a strong foundation for future cooperation between the two nations.