India and Germany have unveiled a comprehensive plan to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and clean energy. The “roadmap on innovation and technology” was released during a meeting of the inter-governmental commission (IGC), co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in New Delhi on Friday.
At the IGC meeting, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Growing cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, energy, green and sustainable development have become a symbol of mutual trust between the two countries.”
Key Agreements Signed
Among the key agreements signed to strengthen this collaboration are:
- India-Germany Managerial Training Programme
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training
- Joint Declaration of Intent on Labour and Employment
These agreements aim to bolster ties in technology and skill development between the two nations.
Germany’s Skilled Labour Mobility Strategy
Just two days prior, Germany announced a “skilled labour mobility strategy” targeting India. The goal is to recruit 90,000 skilled workers annually from India for both white-collar and blue-collar jobs.
The visiting German delegation emphasized that this strategy is centered on India to address Germany’s severe workforce shortage. It’s the first time Germany has unveiled a country-specific plan like this.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Modi welcomed Germany’s “focus on India strategy,” released by the German Cabinet last week, which aims to ramp up investment of German companies in India. He commented, “This is not a transactional relationship; rather, it’s a transformational partnership of two capable and strong democracies.”
