India and Germany today inked six key MoUs including that for putting together seven million euros for next four years towards joint research in the field of higher education and a pact for a soft loan of one billion euros for strengthening the green energy corridor.
The pacts were signed today in Berlin in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. A pact to promote German as a foreign language was also signed by the two sides following the 2nd round of Inter-Governmental Consultations in Berlin. Under pacts signed, both Germany and India have committed to Euro 3.5 million each towards working on joint research and innovation programmes.
A pact regarding the establishment of green energy corridor was also signed besides one in agriculture and establishment of a working group in infrastructure, cooperation in standardisation, conformity assessment and product safety.
Under the pact for the green energy corridor, the grid system in several states will be used to transmit energy produced by renewable and non-conventional means.
Another pact for Indo-German civil security research was also signed.
Later, addressing a joint press conference Dr.Singh said that he and Merkel agreed on the importance of an early conclusion of a balanced India-EU FTA.
Assuring his government's committment towards liberalising the insurance sector, the Prime Minister said the Union Cabinet has already approved a proposal and it is awaiting Parliamentary approval. The Cabinet has cleared the hike in FDI in insurance sector from the current 26 per cent to 49 per cent.
Dr.Manmohan Singh said, economic ties have been a defining feature of Indo-German relationship and Germany is one of our largest economic partners globally. Dr.Singh sought continuing openness and support to growing Indian presence in Germany, including in the services sector.
Besides bilateral relations, Iran, Afghanistan and steps to combat terrorism were among other issues that figured during the Inter-Governmental consultations today.
Expressing hope that Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons as it is a signatory of Nuclear Proliferation Treatment, the Prime minister said India honours Iran`s right for peaceful use of nuclear power.
Prime Minister said multi-lateral trading system across the world should remain strong and it is not possible without stability in the Euro zone. He asked Germany to take steps for resolving issues related to crisis in Euro zone in the interests of developing nations.
Dr Singh hoped further progress will be made on India's broad based trade and investment agreement with the European Union at the next round of negotiations scheduled in Brussels next week. He said both India and Germany agreed for an early conclusion of this agreement. Dr.Singh said India is committed to get back to achieving 7 to 8% growth rate and steps are underway in this respect. He said the government desires that the fruits of development reached people in the rural areas.
Responding a question over women safety in India, the Prime minister said the government reacted with speed over the Delhi gang rape incident and brought a legal framework to check such aberrations.
German chancellor Angela Merkel said bilateral relations between India and Germany have reached a higher level and both countries would work together in several areas like agriculture, health and environment. She said Germany will offer assistance to India in national disaster relief management and agriculture.
