German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to embark on a three-day visit to India, beginning on Thursday, October 24th. The visit, his third since last year, signals the growing importance of the bilateral relationship between Germany and India. This time, the focus will be on deepening strategic ties and exploring ways to ensure global security amidst a volatile world order.
Scholz’s visit comes at a crucial juncture. The Russia-Ukraine war continues to rage, the Israel-Hamas conflict has spilled over into the wider Middle East, and China and North Korea are increasingly assertive in the Asia-Pacific region. The German chancellor’s discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to address these pressing global security concerns and explore how Germany and India can work together to create a more stable international landscape.
The visit is expected to yield tangible results in key areas like defense, trade, and clean energy. Scholz will be accompanied by senior members of his cabinet, indicating the high priority placed on the relationship. The two leaders will co-chair the seventh Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) on Friday, a comprehensive platform for ministers from both countries to discuss and collaborate across various sectors.
Bilateral talks will focus on enhancing security and defense cooperation, facilitating talent mobility, deepening economic ties, fostering a green and sustainable development partnership, and collaborating in emerging and strategic technologies. The 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business (APK 2024), scheduled for Friday in New Delhi, will provide a platform for business leaders, executives, and political representatives from Germany and the Indo-Pacific to further strengthen trade and investment ties.
In addition to his engagements in Delhi, Chancellor Scholz will visit Goa, where the German naval frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and combat support ship Frankfurt am Main will be making a scheduled port call as part of Germany’s Indo-Pacific deployment. This signifies Germany’s growing commitment to the region and its willingness to contribute to regional security.
This visit marks a special year for India-Germany relations, with both countries celebrating 50 years of science and technology collaboration. As the strategic partnership enters its 25th year, Scholz’s visit is poised to further strengthen the relationship and pave the way for a new era of cooperation in the face of global challenges.
