India, Germany Agree on Gratis Visas for Student Exchanges

• Free short-term visas agreed for school and college visits to enhance exchanges.
• New bilateral consultation framework to strengthen Indo-Pacific cooperation.
• Visit highlights collaboration in green tech, AI, space, and sustainable development.

India and Germany have reached an agreement on free visas for short-term school and college visits to enhance student exchanges and educational connections, in addition to creating a new bilateral consultation framework regarding the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Wednesday.

In a press release after the trip of German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to India, the MEA mentioned that during discussions with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, both parties assessed the comprehensive Strategic Partnership, showing contentment with advancements in trade and investment, defence and security, technology, science and innovation, green and sustainable development, education, and interpersonal connections.

"EAM and Foreign Minister Wadephul reviewed the entire gamut of our multifaceted Strategic Partnership and expressed satisfaction at the progress in diverse sectors, including trade & investment, defence & security, technology, science and innovation, green and sustainable development partnership, education and people-to-people ties. The two sides agreed on gratis visas for short-term school and college visits between our countries to further promote student exchanges and education ties," the MEA stated in the release.

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The visit commenced in Bengaluru on Tuesday, where Wadephul and his team interacted with German firms functioning in India and explored innovation centers, such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).

The visit to Bengaluru showcased prospects for strengthened collaboration in fields such as green tech, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, space partnership, and sustainable urban growth, according to the MEA.

The engagement additionally aligns with the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, founded on mutual trust, common democratic values, and a pledge to global stability and sustainable development.