German Chancellor; Angela Merkel pledged to make an investment of €1 billion over the upcoming next 5 years on environmentally-friendly urban mobility in India. Ms Angela Merkel who visited India also draws concern on the air quality of India and believes the replacement of diesel-run public transport with electric vehicles, is a good idea.
The pollution levels in Delhi was recorded with worst air quality, touching the ‘severe plus’ category, resulting in shutting down of schools till November 5. The severity of the situation resulted in a public health emergency.
Read: Chandigarh Will Only Register Electric Vehicles After 2030
Ms Angela Merkel also said that Germany is looking forward to work with India in various sectors including healthcare, agriculture and artificial intelligence.
According to the reports, India and Germany have agreed to deepen its efforts, to resume stalled negotiations for a free trade agreement, which have been held since May 2013 between India and the European Union. The negotiations were stalled because both the sides failed to connect substantial gaps on crucial issues.
Since, the launch of negotiations in June 2007, there have been many hurdles on the way with both the sides having major differences with issues like duty cut in automobile and spirits, intellectual property rights and liberal visa regime.
Things seem to change now, with both the sides agreeing to intensify efforts for an early conclusion of an investment protection agreement between India, EU (European Union), and the EU member states.
Germany is also willing to put in €200 million to reform the bus sector in Tamil Nadu, says Ms Angela Merkel.
