PM Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel issue a joint statement in Berlin
At the end of a whirlwind two-day visit to European powerhouse Germany, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, "I believe that there will be a strong partnership between the king of the earth, the lion and the king of the skies, the eagle.
Germany's coat of arms features an eagle. The lion, the logo of PM Modi's Make in India campaign, was ubiquitous on his trip, primarily aimed at pitching India's potential as a manufacturing hub to German and other investors at the world's largest trade fair in Hannover, which he inaugurated along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Today, the two leaders held bilateral talks and PM Modi profusely thanked Ms Merkel for her country's hospitality at a joint press conference. "My objective of coming to Germany was not only to invite the German industry to India, but to assure them that they would find an open and stable environment, which would be easy to do business in; and that they will have my full support to invest and work in India," the PM said in his speech. (Full text of PM Modi's speech)
He said he had got valuable feedback in Germany that would "be of great benefit to me in framing our policies," and added, "I have also decided that we will establish a mechanism for German companies to facilitate their investment and business in India."
The PM said the two countries would strengthen cooperation in the areas of science, technology and education. "We would also like to enhance our cooperation in the area of advanced technology and defence manufacturing," he said.
He talked of "shared efforts to address the challenge of climate change" and said he discussed with Ms Merkel global peace and the threat of terrorism. India and Germany could work together on a comprehensive global strategy to deal with terror, he said.
He also said, "It is my belief that India and Germany are two countries that have earned the right to be permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Our membership will also be beneficial to the world."