Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a significant increase in Germany’s annual visa quota for skilled Indian professionals, raising it from 20,000 to 90,000, a 3.5-fold boost. Modi highlighted that this expansion will help fulfill Germany’s demand for skilled labor, fostering economic growth and strengthening the economic partnership between India and Germany.
Modi made these remarks at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference German Business 2024 in Delhi, an event that followed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India. Prior to the conference, the two leaders held discussions at PM Modi’s official residence. Scholz’s three-day visit to India is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.
Later, Modi and Scholz will co-chair the 7th Intergovernmental Consultation, focusing on increased defense partnerships, talent mobility, and expanded economic cooperation.
Celebrating 25 years of the India-Germany strategic partnership, PM Modi stated that the next 25 years will further elevate bilateral relations. Following the Delhi conference, Scholz will head to Goa to receive two German naval vessels, marking part of Germany’s Indo-Pacific engagement.
This marks Scholz’s third visit to India since he took office in 2021; he last visited New Delhi in September 2023 for the G20 Summit.
