Modi has "very good interaction" with Merkel during Germany visit
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi tweeted that he had a "very good interaction" with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday, May 29, near Berlin. Both leaders held informal talks over a private dinner at the German chancellor's official state guest house. Modi arrived in Germany on Monday, marking the start of his six-day, four-nation tour which will also see him visiting Spain, Russia and France.
Information
Modi and Merkel expected to clinch several agreements
Modi said he and Merkel will "chart out a future roadmap of cooperation with focus on trade and investment, security and counter-terrorism, innovation and science and technology, skill development, urban infrastructure, railways and civil aviation, clean energy, development cooperation, health and alternative medicine."
Diplomacy
Modi arrives in Germany with senior Indian delegation
Modi's talks with Angela Merkel were informal. They came ahead of a series of formal engagements involving Modi on Tuesday. The PM has been accompanied by a delegation of senior ministers, including Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Energy Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar, all of whom will meet their German counterparts for talks.
Information
What's on the agenda?
On May 31, Modi will receive a ceremonial welcome at the German Chancellery. He will then hold formal talks with Merkel under the aegis of the India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations [IGC]. Modi and Merkel will meet business leaders and inaugurate the Indo-German Business Forum.
On terrorism
Modi urges Europe to take lead role in tackling terrorism
In an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt, Modi acknowledged "Europe has been hit hard by terrorism. To our mind, terrorism is the gravest challenge facing humanity." He said, "Europe must play a lead role in developing an effective global response under the aegis of the United Nations to deal with this menace." His comments come days after the Manchester bombing which left 22 dead.
On Indo-German ties
Modi says India committed to provide "supportive business ecosystem"
Modi said India sees Germany as a crucial partner for its flagship Make in India, Skill India, Start-up India, Clean India and Smart Cities programs. He said he's "very optimistic" about Indo-German economic ties. He said: "We have established dedicated platforms to support German companies and investments in India. There is strong commitment from the leadership on both sides to strengthen economic relations."
Analysis
Modi's trip to Germany follows Trump's fraught visit
Modi's visit to Germany comes a day after Merkel said: "The era in which we could fully rely on others is over to some extent." The statement is a reference to the differences which emerged last week between her and US President Donald Trump on issues of security and climate change. The development hence places more weightage on Germany's relationship with partners like India.