Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have a dinner meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on May 29, when he visits Germany on a two-day bilateral visit aimed at enhancing business and strategic ties between the two countries.
Germany has been supportive of India's enhanced role in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). It will be all ears to understand India's position on China's Belt Road Initiative as India had boycotted the OBOR forum which was attended by many European countries.
“Chancellor Merkel would be interested in hearing what Prime Minster Modi has to say on this,” German Ambassador Martin Ney said in Delhi during a press conference. The issue of South China sea may also come up for discussion. Ney said though European countries attended the China's project, they did not sign the agreements as some of the issues were not subjected to consultations.
Emphasising India-Germany trade, the diplomat said both countries should have their own trade route.
India is one of the biggest recipients of aid from Germany among the developing countries. Both countries have over 25 working groups operational in the fields of cyber security, terrorism, agriculture, climate change.
During his stay in Germany, Modi will be hosted by Angela Merkel for dinner on the first day, followed by a plenary session next day where after signing bilateral agreements, both dignitaries will hold a joint press conference. Modi will then hold a business meeting with some of the CEOs of various German companies. He will also address the Indo-German business forum.
From Germany, he will travel to Spain and later to Russia.
Several MoUs are likely to be signed during the PM's visit including on education. Currently, over 14,000 Indian students are studying in Germany.
German Ambassador Ney said Germany and India work in close cooperation in terms of intelligence sharing for controlling terrorism.
“We stand side by side with India in fighting terrorism. We do share Intelligence with Indian government,” said Ney.
