India, Germany lay roadmap for AI, semiconductor collaboration

India and Germany today released a ‘roadmap on innovation and technology’ aimed at collaboration in AI, semiconductors and clean energy. It was among the clutch of agreements signed at a meeting of the inter-governmental commission (IGC) co-chaired by PM Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz here on Friday.

Two days ago, Germany had announced a ‘skilled labour mobility strategy’ aimed at recruiting 90,000 skilled persons annually from India for white-collared and blue-collared jobs. Today to target this, the two sides signed separate agreements, including India-Germany managerial training programme; an MoU on cooperation in the field of ‘skill development and vocational education and training’ and also a ‘joint declaration of intent of labour and employment’.

Yesterday, the visiting German delegation had said the skilled labour strategy was centred towards India and aimed at improving the mobility of skilled workforce from India to Germany to address the severe shortage of workforce. This is the first country-specific strategy that Germany has unveiled in this regard.

At the IGC meet, PM Modi said: “Growing cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, energy, green and sustainable development have become a symbol of mutual trust between the two countries.” On the importance of defence relationship, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said: “We have seen very promising actions that have been taken. It’s a welcome development and offers much greater confidence to work together”.

Misri said the issue of counter-terrorism featured in Modi-Scholz talks and the mutual legal assistance treaty would help prosecute criminals and terrorists.

Modi welcomed the ‘focus on India strategy’ released by the German Cabinet last week. The strategy looks to ramp up investment of German companies in India.

Modi said the strategic partnership of India and Germany had emerged as a strong anchor. “This is not a transactional relationship, rather was a transformational partnership of two capable and strong democracies,” he added.

Referring to the Indo-Pacific, Modi said: “There are serious concerns about the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.” Though he did not name China, the unstated reference was to Chinese hegemony in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi on Friday said the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia were a matter of concern and India was ready to make every possible contribution for the restoration of peace.