Ease hi-tech exports, India to Germany

India urged Germany to remove restrictions on high technology transfers to India when PM Manmohan Singh met Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday. While Singh described India’s relations with Germany as strategic and devoid of any irritant, Germany’s restrictions on high technology trade with India has led to heartburn in Delhi from time to time.

“Germany has certain laws with regard to high technology exports. We have, however , in keeping with the strategic nature of our ties, urged Germany to liberalise the restrictions in place on such exports ,” MEA secretary (west) Vivek Katju said. While making his opening remarks in a joint press interaction with Merkel, Singh said there was vast untapped potential for high technology trade between India and Germany. “I conveyed to Chancellor Merkel that relaxation of German export control laws will open new horizons for such trade. This will be to our mutual benefit,” Singh said.

“On transfer of high technology for peaceful purposes, the Indian Prime Minister mentioned the potential for high technology trade between India and Germany. We are cooperating closely on this, and will work towards a smoother cooperation,” Angela Merkel said.