Here's some good news: Germany is actively seeking skilled immigrants, and it's not just limited to IT. Dr Philipp Ackermann, the German Ambassador, during his brief visit, highlighted that Germany is in need of skilled professionals across a wide range of fields and at various levels. Recently, India and Germany signed a Comprehensive Partnership on Migration and Mobility, aimed at facilitating travel for research, study, and work between the two countries. The European giant has set a target to welcome 6 million skilled migrants in the next 15 years, and India, which already sends over 35,000 students to Germany annually, is looking to capitalise on this opportunity. During his action-packed trip to the city, which included meetings with two chief ministers and a governor, as well as learning to make aam ka achaar before dinner at the Malhotra house in Sector 16, Dr Ackermann expressed his optimism about the growing ties between Germany and India. The trade relationship between the two nations amounts to 62 billion Euros per year, making India Germany's largest trading partner in the European Union, with Belgium coming in a distant second at 16 billion Euros. "Almost all major German companies have a presence here, and now we want more medium and small companies to follow suit," says the ambassador. Chandigarh, home to the tractor giant Klaas and needle-maker Groz Beckett, fits the bill in this regard. Indo-German relations have been steadily improving, and the high-level visits between the two countries are a clear indicator. Prime Minster Narendra Modi visited Germany last year while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was in India this February, a visit that he described as “Zeitenwende” or turning point. This month, the Labor Minister and the Economics Minister will also visit. The ambassador highlights that there are several reasons for the growing warmth between the two countries, including the situation in Ukraine and the global efforts to sustain the international order. Additionally, India's impressive development story is a key factor. "India has seen remarkable progress in the recent years and is performing very well," says the German envoy, who was last posted in India 12 years ago. Traditionally, Germany has had a strong trade relationship with China, but "India is the only market that can compete with China," adds Dr. Ackermann. The ambassador mentions the eagerness of both the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana to promote business ties with Germany. "The Punjab CM had productive meetings during his visit to Germany last September, and now the Haryana CM is talking about an investment summit." In a tweet about his meeting with the envoy earlier in the day, CM Bhagwant Mann stated that they had made an important decision regarding skill development in the field of education. Dr Ackermann also mentioned potential collaborations with the governments of Punjab and Haryana in the areas of agriculture and renewable energy. One such plant, established outside Chandigarh, could be a solution to Punjab's paddy stubble problem. "A small German company called Vervio is converting paddy stubble into energy," explains Dr. Ackermann. Germany is particularly focused on green energy projects and German Development Bank provides credit on very generous terms for such enterprises. As an art historian by training, Ackermann was particularly impressed with the Ayushman Bharat insurance scheme, which Germany helped to develop. "I was very impressed with how it operates on the ground at PGIMER," he beams. At the hospital, there were clear indications of the growing Indo-German ties. A senior doctor had recently returned from Germany after completing a research project. The Mohali-based Indian School of Business (ISB) has also partnered with a top business school in Germany, showcasing the collaboration between the two countries. Additionally, the Infosys center in the city is actively involved in numerous projects in Germany. Though pleased with all these developments, what Ackermann enjoyed the most was an impromptu pickle-making class he took in Sector 23. A connoisseur of mangoes, he‘s tasted every variety, from Langra to Dussehri. But ask him how he likes to eat them, and he smiles, “choos ke", the desi style.
