German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday. During her stay, she will discuss a host of bilateral issues with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meet with President Ram Nath Kovind. PM Modi and Angela Merkel are also likely to sign over a dozen agreements including on agriculture and social security. She was received at the airport by MoS Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh.
Ms Merkel will meet with the Indian leadership, besides a business delegation during her visit. She will also co-chair the 5th Inter Governmental Consultation with PM Modi following which the two leaders will make press statements. On Saturday, the German leader will meet a business delegation and visit Continental Automotive Components India Pvt Ltd in Manesar, Gurgaon.
"All issues, even Kashmir, could be discussed. Germany supports India that Article 370 is an internal matter but has expressed concern along with the European Union, about restrictions and detentions in Kashmir which they say should be lifted immediately," sources said about possible discussion over Jammu and Kashmir and the scrapping of provision in Article 370.
Ms Merkel will be accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday morning and will pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat later in the day.
Here are the highlights of German Chancellor Angela Merkel's India visit:
We are grateful to Germany for the strong support of India's membership in the Export control regimes and various international forums. The two countries will continue their cooperation and efforts to expedite other necessary reforms in the Security Council, United Nations and the international system: PM Modi
India has made big plans ahead of its 75th year of independence in 2022. For achieving these targets in a short period, we have decided to partner with a technologically advanced nation like Germany. We look to partner with Germany in areas such as artificial intelligence, defence, cyber-security, etc. I also invite Germany to participate in the defence events planned in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh: PM Modi
India, Germany sign five joint declarations of intent after talks between PM Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. 11 pacts inked between India and Germany in fields such as space, civil aviation, maritime technology, medicine and education. reported news agency PTI.
We conducted the 5th IGC today. This is the third time I am attending this meet with Chancellor Merkel: PM Modi
Angela Merkel, who is in India along with her 15-member delegation, attended the 5th Inter Governmental Consultations at Hyderabad House in Delhi.
Delhi: India -Germany delegation level talks underway at Hyderabad House. pic.twitter.com/869eK1LmXs
- ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2019
On Saturday, the German chancellor will also visit Dwarka metro station in Delhi before returning to Germany.
"I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the very warm and gracious welcome with which we have been received here. This is my fourth visit to India and I look forward to the very interesting programme," Ms Merkel said in German, with PM Modi by her side, reported news agency PTI.
#WATCH German Chancellor Angela Merkel pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in Delhi pic.twitter.com/MdYxz8bY7D
- ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2019
Delhi: German Chancellor Angela Merkel was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on her arrival at Rashtrapati Bhawan pic.twitter.com/9fxHewNqD5
- ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2019