Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh reached New Delhi last night after completing his three day successful visit to Germany. Before his departure for home, a joint statement was issued at Berlin in which both the countries decided to explore new areas of cooperation and to continue the successful format of Inter-governmental consultations, IGC, for mutual benefit. They have decided to facilitate Free movement of business visitors to encourage investment flows between the two countries.
In the statement, both the countries have said that they have taken initiatives in the areas of trade, bilateral investment, energy, energy security, environment, culture, education, training, research, technology and defence, which can catalyse and activate the great potential of their bilateral ties.
AIR Correspondent reports that during the PM's visit, 10 agreements and MoUs were signed and a strong commitment was witnessed to conclude an India-EU free trade agreement. The prime Minister who was accompanied by five of his Cabinet colleagues, chaired the second inter-governmental consultations. Both the countries have also shown their eagerness to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including education, green energy and science and technology.
Both the countries decided to exchange experience and knowledge in the areas of cyber policy, combating terrorism and defence collaboration. They decided to continue bilateral dialogue on export control regime. Both sides agreed to cooperate in strengthening global non-proliferation efforts. They stressed the importance of a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
On the International front, both India and Germany urged Iran to fulfil all relevant international obligations and take the necessary steps to restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. They have also condemn the North Korean nuclear test. Both countries have also stressed the importance of national and international efforts to reduce risks of nuclear and radiological terrorism. They reaffirm their shared commitment to promoting the full and effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons and Biological and Toxic Weapons Conventions and coordinated efforts to promote their universalization.
