MSDE Hosts ‘India – Germany Dialogue on Avenues for Future Collaboration’

The objective of the dialogue was to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the areas of skill development and create opportunities for skilled Indian workers to work in Germany.

The Indian delegation, led by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, included officials such as Ms. Trishaljit Sethi, Additional Secretary and Director General of Directorate General of Training (DGT); Ms. Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary of MSDE; Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, Officiating CEO of NSDC; and Ms. Vinita Aggarwal, Executive Member of NCVET, among others.

The German delegation included Ms. Viktoria Holm, Personal Assistant to State Secretary Leonie Gebers; Ms. Gunilla Fincke, Director-General of Skills, Vocational Training and Securing a Skilled Labour Force; Ms. Katrin Holländer, Head of Unit of Law on Employment of Foreign Workers; Ms. Vanessa Margarete Elisabeth Ahuja, Executive Director of Benefits and International Affairs of Federal Employment Agency (BA); Mr. Steffen Sottung, Managing Director of International Affairs of BA; and Mr. Stefan Baraniak, Head of Office of Executive Director of Benefits and International Affairs of BA.

The dialogue focused on utilizing India’s skilled workforce to address workforce shortages in Germany. It also provided insights on the new immigration law adopted by the German Bundestag in June of last year, which is planned to be in force this year.

This new immigration law provides three clear pathways for immigration: qualifications, experience, and potential. These pathways are formalized through the EU Blue Card, Experience Card, and Opportunity Card, respectively.

The Indian delegation commended the efforts of BMAS in formulating the new migration law and suggested measures to enhance the mobility of skilled Indian workers to Germany.

These measures include mapping sectors with high employment or apprenticeship potential, mutual recognition of qualifications, establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or an implementation framework for the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA), creating a Skill India International center focused on Germany’s workforce requirements, collaborative projects for women in new job roles, and mentorship support for entrepreneurs.

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari emphasized the significance of the India-Germany partnership, which is built on mutual respect and strong cultural ties.

He highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in preparing Indian candidates for global mobility and expressed Germany as a country of focus. He stated that the dialogue with the German delegation will open new pathways and strengthen the partnership.