Chennai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 2015 Hanover visit appears to have paved way for enhancing the scope of bilateral ties between the two countries. Germany, which is very keen on looking towards the next round of talks early 2017, wants permanent membership for India and Germany in the UN Security Council.
"Germany and India are working successfully on awareness on UN security council permanent membership. India should be included as much as Germany," says Achim Fabig, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Speaking to this correspondent here on Tuesday he said, Germany was also looking at specific areas of interest like technology, environment, business and tourism to be promoted between the two countries when the heads and officials of the two nations meet next year.
Many issues would be discussed during the meeting. "Negotiations take place once in two years and things are taken forward. Issues that are of specific interest would be deliberated in the next meeting in 2017," he said. Pointing out that Germany was eager to play a greater role in the development of India, Mr. Achim said his country was already involved in erecting transmission lines for the green corridor in Tamil Nadu.
"We are expecting 17 billion Euro business per annum between India and Germany… South Indian students, in particular, are showing interest in pursuing education in our country. The number of students visiting Germany for studies has doubled in the last five years," he added. Germany wants to combine tourism with business and leisure and market its country in a big way in India. Indicating that his country was becoming a favourite destination for the Indians, Mr. Achim said Germany received six lakh Indians last year.
