Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invited German universities to establish campuses in India, unveiling a comprehensive roadmap on higher education cooperation during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s official visit.
Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for announcing visa-free transit for Indian passport holders, calling it a significant step that will further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“The comprehensive roadmap on higher education that we have developed today will give a new direction to our partnership in education. I invite German universities to open their campuses in India. I express my gratitude to Chancellor Merz for announcing visa-free transit for Indian citizens,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi said the two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on regional and global issues, including the situations in Ukraine and Gaza. He underlined that India and Germany share a common view that terrorism poses a grave threat to humanity and reaffirmed their commitment to combating it together.
“India has consistently advocated the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes and supports all initiatives aimed at achieving this goal. We are united in our belief that terrorism is a serious threat to humanity, and India and Germany remain committed to fighting this menace with determination,” he said.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for reform of global institutions to better address contemporary challenges, pointing to joint efforts by India and Germany through the G4 grouping to advance reform of the United Nations Security Council.
“The Memorandums of Understanding signed today will provide fresh momentum and strength to our cooperation across sectors. India and Germany agree that reforming global institutions is essential, and our joint efforts through the G4 reflect this shared conviction,” he added.
Highlighting cooperation in climate action and energy, PM Modi said both countries are advancing new projects in areas such as renewable energy, urban development and sustainable mobility. He noted that upcoming green hydrogen mega-projects involving Indian and German companies could prove to be game-changers for the future of energy.
“India and Germany are committed to building secure, trustworthy and resilient supply chains,” he said.
On technology, defence and security, the Prime Minister said cooperation between the two countries has strengthened year after year. He thanked Chancellor Merz for simplifying procedures related to defence trade and said both sides would work on a roadmap to enhance defence industrial cooperation, opening new avenues for co-development and co-production.
“Technology cooperation between India and Germany has grown steadily, and its impact is clearly visible on the ground. The expanding cooperation in defence and security reflects our mutual trust and shared vision,” PM Modi said.
Emphasising people-to-people ties, the Prime Minister recalled the historical and cultural links between the two nations, referring to figures such as Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda and Madam Bhikaji Cama as symbols of long-standing intellectual and cultural exchange. “Today, we are transforming these historical connections into a modern partnership,” he said.
(ANI)
