The decision was made official in a joint statement released by the two countries following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India from January 12-13, 2023.
Indian passport holders will now enjoy a new visa-free airport transit facility when travelling through Germany on their way to other countries, thereby simplifying international travel for Indians who change planes in Germany.
The decision was made official in a joint statement released by the two countries following German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to India from January 12-13, 2023. This was Chancellor Merz’s first trip to India and first trip to Asia since taking office.
In response to the announcement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed appreciation for the action stating that it would greatly facilitate travel for Indian citizens and enhance the relationship between the two nations. The two leaders affirmed that stronger ties between people in both countries are essential components of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.
The two countries also acknowledged the increasing number of Indian nationals moving between India’s borders, including students, professionals, researchers, artists and tourists, as well as the significant role that India’s diaspora community plays in Germany’s economy, the innovation sector and the richness of Germany’s cultural fabric.
Discussions included education and skill development, highlighting an increase in the number of Indian students enrolled in German universities as well as the growth of cooperative and dual-degree programmes between Indian universities and their German counterparts.
Additionally, Germany and India jointly recognised initiatives designed to help transition Indian students and graduates into the working environments of Germany through employment opportunities for Indian citizens residing permanently or temporarily in Germany.
India and Germany agreed to develop a comprehensive Indo-German Higher Education Strategy and create a comprehensive higher education roadmap for Indo-German cooperation and the facilitation of stronger academic/research collaboration between these two countries.
Prime Minister Modi requests that distinguished German universities consider installing campuses in India, in accordance with the National Education Policy.
