New Delhi signed MOUs with Germany on multiple issues, including security, technology, and education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on Monday. Following that, they signed MOUs on approximately 19 issues. This includes visa-free transit as well.
The German Chancellor arrived in India on a two-day visit on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary. He then held bilateral talks with Modi. It has been learned that they discussed defence-related matters at length there. Besides this, the two leaders also talked about the use of renewable energy and semiconductor chip production.
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In the meeting, the German Chancellor assured the introduction of a visa-free transit facility for Indians. This is essentially a short-term visa. It has been learned that Indians will not need a visa to stay in Germany for 24 to 72 hours, i.e., for a specified period. Not only that, it was also announced today that Indian doctors and healthcare workers can work in Germany on long-term visas.
Special emphasis was placed on education and skill development in the meeting. The number of Indian students in Germany is increasing. Correspondingly, joint and dual degree programs are also being expanded in German universities. The German Chancellor stated that higher education institutions of both countries are working shoulder to shoulder.
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New Delhi has been conducting discussions with the European Union regarding a free trade agreement for a long time. Germany is an important member of the European Union. Some informed circles believe that the free trade agreement may gain momentum from the Modi-Friedrich meeting. It has also been learned that they discussed arms purchases as well.
