BERLIN, Aug 27: Germany will promote Indian languages including Sanskrit in its educational institutions as part of an understanding reached with India while working towards resolving the controversial German language issue that soured bilateral ties last year.
An announcement on the resolution of the issue is likely to be made during Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to India in October.
The issue figured prominently during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s meetings here yesterday with her German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeir and German Education Minister Johanna Wanka as both sides discussed contours of a resolution.
As per the broad understanding between the two sides, India will continue to teach German as an additional language while Germany will promote Indian languages including Sanskrit in their educational institutions.
“We are almost close to resolution of the issue. Both sides hope to make the announcement during Chancellor Angela Merkel’s upcoming visit to India,” official sources said.
The Human Resource Development ministry had in November decided to discontinue teaching of German as an alternative to Sanskrit and cited “national interests” for its decision.
Germany had criticised the decision and the issue was also raised by Merkel during her meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Brisbane in November last year. Modi had assured her at the time that his Government will look into the matter and try to work out an amicable solution. (PTI)
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