(a) whether the German Chancellor visited India recently;
(b) If so, the details of discussions held; and
(c) the outcome thereof?
(a) whether the German Chancellor visited India recently;
(b) If so, the details of discussions held; and
(c) the outcome thereof?
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANT SINGH)
a) Yes, Sir, Mr. Gerhard Schroeder, Federal Chancellor of Germany paid an official visit to India from 28-31 October 2001. The German Chancellor was accompanied by Mr. Otto Schily, Minister of Interior, Dr. Werner Mueller, Minister of Economics and a high-level official, business and media delegation.
b) & c) The Chancellor`s programme included talks in New Delhi with the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister. The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including review of bilateral relations, regional and international issues of mutual concern in particular the fight against international terrorism and evolving situation in Afghanistan. German Chancellor condemned the terrorist attack in Srinagar on 1st October, and reiterated that Germany would not distinguish between acts of terrorism or between good & bad terrorists. Chancellor Schroeder suggested and Prime Minister agreed that both countries should meet at the highest political level annually. PM has accepted Chancellor Schroeder`s invitation to visit Berlin in 2002. The need to strengthen economic linkages, particularly in infrastructure and IT was highlighted during the visit. Four agreements for German assistance totalling Rs. 670 crores for the 140 MW Integrated Solar Power Plant at Mathania, Rajasthan, and assistance for programmes on integrated rural water supply, polio and fertilizers were signed during the visit.