German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel meets Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi with German and Indian ministers and secretaries at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with German Chancellor Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel visited India to co-chair the 5th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) alongside Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Accompanying her were top-level ministers and a business delegation. During the visit, the Chancellor conducted bilateral discussions with Shri Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, and Shri Narendra Modi. Both sides issued the following joint statement at the conclusion of the event:

“Recognising the exceptional importance of both countries for a successful global energy transition in order to ensure the achievement of the long-term targets of the Paris Agreement as well as the SDGs in 2030, both leaders expressed satisfaction about the cooperation in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, including the important and successful work under the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF), Indo-German Development Cooperation as well as under the International Climate Initiative.” 

The statement also reflected the commitment of both governments towards establishing the required frameworks for promoting sustainable substitution of fossil fuels. It reiterated the ways in which large-scale grid integration of intermittent renewable energy sources shall be carried out, including enhancement of grid structure and flexible power generation. Both countries also agreed to explore the potential for cooperation with regard to implementing solar technologies in rural areas. This, the statement said, “could make a difference in the lives of people in rural areas, especially women.”

Acknowledging the success of the Indo-German Solar Partnership founded in 2015, the leaders stressed that in order to sustain this success and achieve future targets, it was crucial to promote a climate-friendly development of power markets in both countries. Elaborating on these ambitious targets, India declared its goal of installing 175 GW and 450 GW renewable energy capacities by the year 2022 and 2030, respectively. Germany stated its aim of ensuring that 80% of total power consumption would come from renewable sources by 2050. 

The Indian government also expressed appreciation for Germany’s eagerness in joining the Intersolar Alliance (ISA), which strives to promote sustainable solutions on a global scale. Other topics highlighted in the joint statement include the need to support skill development in new areas such as renewable energy and e-mobility, as well as the inclusion of the private sector in both countries in these efforts.

IN