PM Modi Meets German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; Discusses regional and global developments

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday said he was looking forward to strengthening bilateral ties between Germany and India and said he would intensively discuss issues important to the development of both nations during his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who was accorded a gala reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. During the event, Scholz met Prime Minister Modi and other dignitaries and ministers. "We already have good relations between Germany and India and I hope to strengthen these relations. I hope we will intensively discuss all topics related to the development of our countries as well as peace in the world," Scholz said, according to reports.

According to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press release, this is the first solo visit by any German chancellor since the inception of the Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) mechanism between the two nations in 2011. The German chancellor is accompanied by senior officials and a high-ranking business delegation. He is on a two-day trip to India and will also visit Bengaluru. He is also expected to visit President Droupadi Murma.

New Delhi and Berlin share a strong economic partnership and Germany is India's largest trading partner in the European Union and is also among India's top 10 global trading partners along with one of the largest foreign direct investors in India. During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Scholz will review and advance key outcomes of the 6th Intergovernmental Consultation (IGC), strengthen security and defense cooperation, seek closer economic ties and expand opportunities for talent mobility.

The meeting between Scholz and Modi comes a day after European nations marked the first year anniversary of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The two leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing war during their meeting. China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region will also be discussed between the two leaders.