Modi in Berlin: Merkel wants to foster India ties, softens message on US

Merkel said she and Modi had discussed open markets and free and fair trade during their meeting

Germany wants to develop its ties with India but this should not be at the cost of its trans-Atlantic relationship, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Merkel, trying to repair damage after shocking Washington on Sunday by declaring the era in which Europe could rely on its partners was somewhat over, repeatedly stressed the importance of trans-Atlantic ties. But she also highlighted Germany's history of cooperating with India and China in a global world.

On Monday, Merkel had underlined her doubts about the reliability of the United States as an ally. 

Merkel talked