German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday extended full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious program for development of India, saying that Germany intends to be a good partner and supporter on this endeavour.
"What I expect from this third Inter-Governmental Consultations is that first of all it is a consultation at the government level that is to concentrate and demonstrate very closely. On a very broad basis, we are cooperating in the areas such as economy, agriculture and internal security matters," Merkel said after being accorded a ceremonial welcome here at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
"We are co-operating on developmental issues, on defence matters and financial relations... We also expect to be able from the part of Germany to lend a contribution towards a further economic build up of the country," she added.
"The Prime Minister has outlined ambitious program for development of this nation and Germany fully intends to be a good partner and supporter on this endeavour," she asserted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Merkel will hold discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening bilateral engagement in defence, security, education, renewable energy, skill development and agriculture.
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Merkel arrived in New Delhi last night on a 2-day visit to India.
Welcoming her, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "Namaste Chancellor Merkel! Warm welcome to you & the delegation. I look forward to fruitful discussions & strengthening India-Germany ties."
India and Germany are strategic partners since 2001. Germany is India's largest trading partner in the European Union and the seventh largest foreign investor in India.
