India and Germany to expand cooperation in innovation and technology

New Delhi: India and Germany agreed upon enhanced cooperation in the field of innovation, technology and research with an aim to benefit humanity and address global challenges. The cooperation was agreed upon within the framework of the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz’s visit to India, as per the joint statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. 

It is noteworthy that India and Germany share historical trade, economic and people-to-people relations. With this agreement, the ties between the nations through the India-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) will be further strengthened.

 The countries acknowledge the proactive contributions of governments, institutions, academics and industry, which has led to the emergence of Germany as India’s major partner for technological collaborations.

The countries mutually recognize the significance of technology in times when unprecedented challenges call for solutions of a similar kind. These challenges include inter alia climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, pollution, energy efficiency and security, which require long term and sustainable solutions.

The nations, therefore, intend to work together to enhance the mutual capabilities for the accomplishment of these mutual goals.

The primary focus of India and Germany are innovation, technology and economy. Meanwhile, the nations look on to achieve a socially just, economically and ecologically sustainable, affordable and secure energy supply as well being self-reliant with the least dependence on imports of fossil fuels.

At the same time, the nations hailed the progress made under the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Task Force, which was signed during the sixth Indo-German Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC), with an aim to enhance cooperation in manufacturing, storage and distribution of green hydrogen.

Another topic, that was discussed at the meeting was digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s potential to improve the lives of citizens. Notably, the framework for cooperation in AI has been agreed upon under the Joint Declaration of Intent between the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action.