Germany and India Deepen Cooperation, EU-India Free Trade Agreement Expected to Be Signed by End of January

Germany and India Strengthen Economic and Military Cooperation, EU-India Free Trade Agreement Expected by End of January

According to German radio: Germany and India will expand cooperation in economic and military fields.

German Chancellor Scholz said at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Modi in Ahmedabad that India is an ideal partner for Germany. In a world increasingly influenced by great power politics and undergoing restructuring, the two countries must work together to enhance their capacity to respond. During Scholz's talks with Modi, both sides signed 27 statements of intent and announcements covering areas ranging from rare earth resource development to the introduction of professionals in the healthcare field. Scholz also called for the early completion of the free trade agreement between India and the EU, which is expected to be signed this month.

The EU and India plan to hold a summit on January 27. EU Commission President von der Leyen and European Council President Costa plan to visit New Delhi for this purpose. Scholz said in Ahmedabad that if the negotiations are completed before that, von der Leyen and Costa could sign the free trade agreement. The agreement is urgently needed to fully unlock the potential of the economic relationship between Germany and India. Scholz added, "We cannot and do not want to miss this opportunity."

According to people close to the prime minister, the probability of signing by the end of January is high. A German government insider said that after Scholz's "very intensive talks" with Modi, there is "high expectation" of reaching an agreement by the end of this month. Previously, it was generally expected that the negotiations would be completed by the end of the year. One reason the negotiations may accelerate is believed to be related to the tariff pressure the United States has placed on India.

Scholz's new year visit to Asia, instead of first visiting China and Japan, but India, sent out a new signal. The Berlin daily newspaper believes: facing an unpredictable US, both Germany and India hope to expand bilateral relations. The impression left by Scholz's visit to India is that Scholz and Modi have become quite good friends.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1854207130094667/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.