'Delighted to be in India,' says German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to hold talks with PM Modi, visit Gurugram

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is in New Delhi to attend the fifth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), was welcomed with ceremonial reception upon her arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Friday. 

The German Chancellor was received by PM Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and will later hold talks with him. As per reports, around 20 agreements are expected to be signed between India and Germany. She will meet President Ram Nath Kovind in the evening.

Receiving a ceremonial reception, Merkel said, "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."

As per sources, the main agenda of India-Germany talks during Merkel's visit include skill development, climate, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, security & economy. Talks on a possible free trade agreement with the EU also likely to be discussed.

Merkel also visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. 

#WATCH German Chancellor Angela Merkel pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in Delhi pic.twitter.com/MdYxz8bY7D

— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2019

Earlier, welcoming German Chancellor in India, MEA tweeted, "Enriching the strategic texture of our relationship. 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 4th meeting between the leaders within a year."

Herzlich Willkommen!
Day begins with a warm welcome!

PM @narendramodi greeted Chancellor Merkel on her 4th visit to India at a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan. India attaches great importance to its relationship with Germany. pic.twitter.com/QseHCwUeN5

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 1, 2019

Enriching the strategic texture of our relationship.

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

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) October 31, 2019

The German Chancellor is expected to visit a metro station in Dwarka, will hold with a business delegation and also visit a German company in Gurugram.