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Journalism of Courage
After visiting the Silicon Valley, PM Narendra Modi seems all set to host German Chancellor Angela Merkel at India’s Silicon Valley — Bengaluru — on October 6, government sources told The Indian Express. Merkel will be arriving in India on October 4 on a three-day visit.
While Modi is keen to showcase the “Digital India” campaign, Merkel is known to be eager to attract Indian IT professionals to Germany. Both leaders are likely to address a conference organised by NASSCOM and other industry bodies. The trip will also give the two leaders an extended opportunity to discuss the “Make In India” initiative. With the influx of refugees in Germany on the top of Merkel’s mind, a discussion the matter is also expected.
Ahead of the visit, India and Germany are working towards a plan to unveil concrete initiatives on skill development, education and IT, sources said. Since Germany is keen to woo IT professionals, there is a possibility of steps to ease visas and work permits for “technically skilled and qualified Indian professionals” who want to work in Germany.
“India wants greater investments from Germany, and a positive investment climate and technology partnerships are crucial for the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. That will be one of the main themes of discussion,” sources said.
On the skill development front, both sides are expected to expand existing Indo-German cooperation through new initiatives, including a road-map for enhancing employability of trainees and apprentices by strengthening industry involvement in skill development.
The two sides will also hold discussions on cleaning the Ganga, much on the lines of the Rhine, and are expected to firm up cooperation on Ganga River rejuvenation strategies. Modi’s team will also seek Germany’s support for the modernisation of the railway infrastructure.
