New Delhi, 17 June (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors. Chancellor Merz also invited the Prime Minister to attend the 8th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), scheduled to be held in Germany later this year.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the renewed momentum in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership. They discussed cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, technology, innovation, education, and mobility.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and the implementation of a transit visa exemption for Indian nationals travelling through Germany.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the situation in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both leaders welcomed the emerging consensus aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia.

Notably, India and Germany will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026. This marks the second meeting between the two leaders this year.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar