The agreement was signed at the beginning of a two day meeting of the Indo-German Annual Consultation on Development cooperation here today. The meeting will review the ongoing programmes and discuss new projects for funding under the programme.
The German development cooperation has been increasing in quantum in recent times. While in 1990s, the annual commitments were in the range of euro 60-80 million, Germany has enhanced its engagement in India by committing overall funds of euro 352 million in 2005, euro 240 million in 2006 and euro 302 million in 2007.
The Indo-German development cooperation has been historically important having the roots in the German Financial Cooperation support to Rourkela Steel Plant in 1958.
Since then, it has led to development of longstanding partnerships in health, infrastructure development, rural development, poverty alleviation, economic reforms, consumer protection, environmental protection, SME development and other relevant sectors.