German Chancellor Angela Merkel received the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan as she began her two-day visit to India. Chancellor Merkel was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on her arrival at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Speaking to reporters with Prime Minister Modi by her side, Merkel said she was delighted to be in India for the fifth Inter-Governmental Consultations.
"I would like to thank the prime minister for the very warm and gracious welcome with which we have been received here. This is my fourth visit to India and I look forward to the very interesting programme," she said.
"Germany-India are linked by very close ties. We will have discussions on issues of mutual interest. We also have the opportunity of signing a number of MoUs and agreements that shows that we have a very broad-based and deep relationship," Merkel said.
Germany and India have been cooperating for many years and will build on this cooperation in future, the German chancellor said.
"This is a very close relationship. We have great respect for this vast country and its diversity," she added.
Merkel paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat later.
Merkel will co-chair the 5th IGC with Prime Minister Modi following which the two leaders will make press statements and a raft of agreements will be signed between the two sides. She will call on President Ram Nath Kovind in the evening and will also hold a meeting with the prime minister at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence.
Merkel arrived in Delhi on Thursday night. During her visit, she is expected to hold talks with PM Modi on a host of bilateral issues, with nearly 20 agreements expected to be signed between the two countries. Merkel was received at the airport by MoS Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh. She will be meeting with the Indian leadership, besides a business delegation during her visit.
"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 (Inter Governmental Consultations).This would be the 5th meeting between the leaders within a year," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
On Saturday, the German leader will meet a business delegation and visit Continental Automotive Components India Pvt Ltd in Manesar, Gurgaon.
Before heading home, the chancellor will visit the Dwarka Sector 21 Metro Station.
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