India and Germany had several points of convergence during the Inter Governmental Consultations (IGC) which included tackling the climate change challenge and moving towards economic growth.
In a joint declaration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to steer the Strategic Partnership between the two countries into a new phase by building on their growing convergence on various issues.
The leaders emphasised on the target of holding the increase in global average temperature. In this context India and Germany will use renewable energy and new technologies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Both countries will intensify cooperation on climate and renewable technology under the new Indo-German Climate and Renewables Alliance which will focus on next generation solar technology, renewable energy storage, climate-friendly space cooling technologies, super-efficient appliances and buildings, zero emission passenger and freight vehicles, energy-efficient rail and water infrastructure and off shore wind.
As strategic partners, India and Germany committed themselves to closer coordination in the G20, the United Nations and other multilateral fora, to address challenges to international security, global economic stability and growth. Both leaders underlined support to upholding the sovereign equality of all States as well as respect for their territorial integrity. In view of recurring controversy in South China Sea, Modi and Merkel underlined the importance of freedom of navigation in international waters, passage and other maritime rights in accordance with international laws.
India and Germany emphasised their commitment to the reconstruction of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. Modi and Merkel shared concern about the growing threat and global reach of terrorism and extremism and agreed to build closer collaboration to counter these challenges. In this regard the two sides decided to share information on terrorist recruitments, activities and finance modules and cyber space. In order to intensify the exchange of views on issues of common concern, both sides agreed to establish a new Policy Planning Dialogue between their Foreign Ministries.
Germany welcomed India's intensified engagement with the various export control regimes. The two leaders also discussed urgent need for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council. On economic front, Modi and Merkel agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment.