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India, Germany ink pact on promoting each other's language

by IBNS 05 Oct 2015, 09:25 pm

Bengaluru, Oct 6 (IBNS) In her three day visit to India, Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany along with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have signed an agreement that allows the Kendriya Vidyalayas or central schools in India to teach German as an additional foreign language, while the German schools will be offering modern Indian languages as subjects.

Under the new deals, Germany will be offering Indian labourers with vocational training that is set to boost the PM's new 'Make in India' drive.

PM Modi was quoted by the NDTV website as saying, "We see Germany as a natural partner in achieving our vision of India's economic transformation. German strengths and India's priorities are aligned."

In an effort to develop India's clean energy, a deal worth $ 2.25 billion was also signed by the two countries.

Speaking at a tech meet in Bengaluru on Tuesday, organised by Nasscom, Modi said, "At a time of global slowdown, India represents a bright spot for investments."

"There is tremendous potential in India-Germany economic collaboration," he added.

He said his government has introduced the GST Bill in parliament and we are hopeful to roll it out in 2016 while across the board "we have increased the validity period of Industrial Licences."

"Never before was India so well prepared to absorb talent, technology & investment from outside," he said. "Such a huge potential for creation and production will not be available in any one country," he added.

In order to ensure a single point of contact for German companies with the Indian Government, the two countries have signed a fast-track approval agreement, a move well appreciated by Merkel.