New Delhi, Apr 13 (UNI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today met with Markus Soeder, the Minister-President of the German free state of Bavaria, during which they discussed the contribution of Bavaria in strengthening Indo-German cooperation and the EU.
In a post on X, the EAM said:
“A good meeting with Minister - President @Markus_Soeder of Bavaria in Delhi today.
“Discussed the contribution of Bavaria to strengthening India’s cooperation with Germany and the EU.
"Focused particularly on technology and talent flow.
“Also exchanged perspectives on European developments, trans-Atlantic ties and the Indo-Pacific.”
The Bavarian leader in a post said:
“For cooperation and free trade: We are holding many political discussions in India.
“India is of particular global importance in times of worldwide unstable trade relations and major customs chaos. We need stable relationships, long-term connections and new markets. To this end, I was in New Delhi for lunch with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the Prime Minister's residence and with India's Science Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh together with @fwhfreising
“We are committed to a comprehensive free trade zone between Europa and India. More Zusammenarbeit (collaboration) is needed, for example, in the area of Autos, armaments and Verteidigung (defence) as well as technology partnerships.
"We want to set up a fast lane for Indian specialists to recruit skilled workers. We will also work more closely together in the areas of business and #Wissenschaft (pursuit of knowledge).We are setting up a #Stipendien programm for students from India in Bavaria and for students from Bavaria in India. India already makes up the largest group of foreign students in the Free State. As a High tech location, Bavaria is considered Germany's Space Valley. With the High-Tech Agenda, we attract top companies and start-ups from all over the world.”
Earlier, the Bavarian leader visited Rajghat and the Bangla Sahib Gurdwara.
In posts, on X, he said: “Mahatma Gandhi is the most famous Indian. Without fear and, above all, without violence, he fought for and won the independence of India. Raj Ghat is his cremation site in New Delhi. It is a very moving place of silence and remembrance. We were allowed to lay a wreath there. Throwing flower petals is an important ritual in India and is considered a sign of great respect. On our trip to India, we also pay homage to the country, its people, and its culture.”
On visiting the gurdwara, he posted pictures of himself wearing the pagdi.
“Pure hospitality in India: In the Sikh temple, cooking and communal meals are carried out almost around the clock. Sometimes 100,000 people gather each day. Sharing and helping are integral parts of the Sikh religion. There is wealth in India, but also much poverty. Sikhs are there for everyone. "Pots" here in the temple are as big as tubs, and "wooden spoons" as big as spades. Steaming and sizzling are everywhere."
Ahead of his India visit he posted: “India is calling. For the first time in many years, a Bavarian MP is traveling to India. The invitation from Prime Minister @narendramodi is a great honor. India is one of the world's largest countries. We want to strengthen contacts, particularly in economy, education and research. This is not just about Bavaria, but also about Germany and Europe.

“In the current customs chaos around the world, there should be new signals for liberalism. In the long term, a joint free trade zone would be good. In our partner region Karnataka Bavaria, as Germany's Space Valley, and Bangalore, as India's Silicon Valley, meet. I'm very excited - but first there's a long flight of over seven hours ahead.”
Markus Söder is the Minister-President of the German Free State of Bavaria. A member of the Christian Social Union party, he was elected in 2018 and previously served as Bavarian Minister of Finance, Regional Development and Regional Identity. Bavaria, is a state in the southeast of Germany.
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