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India and Germany have agreed on gratis visas for short-term school and college visits to promote student exchanges and education ties, as well as establishing a new bilateral consultation mechanism on the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Wednesday.
In a press release following the visit of the German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul, to India, the MEA stated that during the delegation-level talks with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, the two sides reviewed the multifaceted Strategic Partnership, expressing satisfaction with progress in trade and investment, defence and security, technology, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, education, and people-to-people ties. The EAM also conveyed India's appreciation for Berlin's solidarity and strong support in the fight against terrorism. Discussions also covered recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East, and other regional and global issues of mutual interest. "EAM and Foreign Minister Wadephul reviewed the entire gamut of our multifaceted Strategic Partnership and expressed satisfaction at the progress in diverse sectors, including trade & investment, defence & security, technology, science and innovation, green and sustainable development partnership, education and people-to-people ties. The two sides agreed on gratis visas for short-term school and college visits between our countries to further promote student exchanges and education ties," the MEA stated in the release. "The two sides also discussed recent developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle-East, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as other regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both sides are also working towards the establishment of a new bilateral consultation mechanism on the Indo-Pacific region. EAM conveyed the Government of India's appreciation for the German government's solidarity and strong support to India in the fight against terrorism," it read. Wadephul also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. During his meeting with the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Wadephul, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, reflected on the rapidly expanding economic partnership between India and Germany, the MEA stated. The visit began in Bengaluru on Tuesday, where Wadephul and his delegation engaged with German companies operating in India and visited innovation hubs, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). The visit to Bengaluru highlighted opportunities for enhanced collaboration in areas such as green technology, digital transformation, AI, space cooperation and sustainable urban development, the MEA stated. The engagement also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, built on mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a commitment to global stability and sustainable development. (ANI)
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