New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged German business leaders on Friday to seize the opportunity to invest in India’s growth, emphasizing that now is the ideal time to participate in the nation’s economic expansion.
Speaking at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, PM Modi highlighted India’s potential as a global trade and manufacturing hub, aligning with initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World.’ He stated, ‘This is the right time to join India’s growth story,’ pointing to the country’s robust foundations in democracy, demographics, demand, and data.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who arrived in Delhi on Thursday with a business delegation, echoed the sentiment, noting Germany’s commitment to enhancing ties with India. He announced plans to increase the number of visas for skilled Indian workers from 20,000 to 90,000, recognizing the value of India’s skilled workforce.
Chancellor Scholz expressed a desire to strengthen defense collaboration, stating, ‘Our overall message is clear, we need more cooperation, not less.’ He emphasized the goal of integrating the militaries of both nations during his three-day visit to India.
Scholz will visit Goa Today (Saturday), where German naval vessels are docked as part of Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy. Earlier, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stressed the importance of mutual respect in discussions regarding the India-EU free trade agreement, urging that unrelated issues like labor and climate should be addressed at international forums.
