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Angela Merkel arrives in India, meets PM at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Last updated on Nov 01, 2019, 12:29 pm
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday night for a two-day visit, and on Friday morning she was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Both the leaders are scheduled to have discussions on a host of issues later and could sign as many as 20 agreements.
Merkel also exchanged pleasantries with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
Here's more.
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In this articleDelighted to be in India, said Merkel Merkel has a packed schedule today Spot visuals: Merkel was allowed to sit when anthem played Earlier, German Parliament called for strengthening ties with India Separately, Germany's ambassador was optimistic about the visit A high-profile delegation is accompanying Merkel Modi and Merkel have met several times recently Considering Delhi's condition, anti-pollution masks have been kept for delegation
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Twitter Post
Delighted to be in India, said Merkel
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi: I am delighted to be here in India. Germany-India are linked by very close ties. We have great respect for this vast country and its diversity. pic.twitter.com/i3g3Or62yK
— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2019 -
Plans
Merkel has a packed schedule today
![Merkel has a packed schedule today]( "Merkel has a packed schedule today")
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Merkel, 65, was given a ceremonial reception at the President's House. She will soon visit Rajghat, the resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, to pay respects.
Reportedly, India had accepted Germany's request to allow Merkel to remain seated when anthems of both the countries would be played at Rashtrapati Bhavan, due to her health constraints.
She was seen sitting at the forecourt today.
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Twitter Post
Spot visuals: Merkel was allowed to sit when anthem played
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel while the National Anthem is being played during a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday. Photo @rvmoorthyhindu @the_hindu pic.twitter.com/t7gjcxeAxD
— Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) November 1, 2019 -
Resolution
Earlier, German Parliament called for strengthening ties with India
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Interestingly, Merkel's visit to India comes days after the German Parliament passed a resolution calling for bettering ties with India.
Calling India a "pillar of strength" in South Asia, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, "It would be dangerous from a European point of view to constrict Asia policy too much to China, especially as we have a partner in India."
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Hopes
Separately, Germany's ambassador was optimistic about the visit
![Separately, Germany's ambassador was optimistic about the visit]( "Separately, Germany's ambassador was optimistic about the visit")
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Notably, this is Merkel's fourth visit to India. She will co-chair the 5th-IGC (Inter-Governmental Consultations) with PM Modi.
About the agenda of her visit, Germany's envoy to India Walter Lindner said both countries have a huge potential to increase cooperation.
When asked if Article 370 will come up during talks, Lindner underlined Merkel and PM Modi have commendable ties and can talk on anything.
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Itinerary
A high-profile delegation is accompanying Merkel
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Apart from traditional sectors like transport and energy, Merkel and PM Modi could also discuss green urban mobility and artificial intelligence during IGC.
Merkel is accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including three German cabinet ministers.
Tomorrow, she will meet a business delegation and pay a visit to Manesar's Continental Automotive Components India Pvt Ltd. She'll visit a metro station in Dwarka before heading home.
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Twitter Post
Modi and Merkel have met several times recently
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Enriching the strategic texture of our relationship.
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) October 31, 2019
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in Delhi beginning her State visit to India during which she, along with PM @narendramodi will co-chair the 5th 🇮🇳- 🇩🇪 IGC.This would be the 5th meeting between the leaders within a year pic.twitter.com/Ie1lfafGf6 -
Do you know?
Considering Delhi's condition, anti-pollution masks have been kept for delegation
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Since the delegation is visiting at a time when Delhi has turned into a gas-chamber of sorts, authorities have made proper arrangements. Anti-pollution face masks have been kept for the delegation, reports News18. Air purifiers have also been installed in their hotel rooms.
