German chancellor inaugurated â??Science Expressâ?? in Delhi today

Oct 30: Yesterday Angela Merkel arrived in Delhi accompanied by a large group of businessmen from Germany. Today she will be given military honour by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. She is also scheduled to meet Indian President Pratibha Patil, Minister of External Affairs, Pranab Mukherjee and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Angela Merkel also flagged off ‘Science Express’ an exhibition of German scientific achievements on wheels that will tour for the whole year at Safdar Jung railway station today morning.

Issues in focus are likely to be economic co-operation, climate change, education, science and technology co-operation, energy security, defense and co-operation in multilateral trade negotiations. UN reforms and intellectual property rights will also get a place in discussion with the prime minister.

Merkel is on three-day visit during which she will also discuss the regional politics such as the situation between India and Pakistan and also Afghanistan.

This is Ms. Merkel’s first visit to India as chancellor and is a consequence of the realised importance of engagement to Asia in view of the fast growing economies of the region.

How important India is to Germany?

India has emerged as one of the largest consumer markets in the world, which automatically makes it a charming destination for investment. This is to be highlighted that currently around 600 German companies are operating in India and a large number of Indian companies are investing in Germany.

Germany is also the largest trading partner of India in EU.

Bilateral trade between Germany and India is increasing by almost 40 percent. Germany is the seventh largest investor in India with total inflows being $1.9 billion.

German soldiers being stationed in Afghanistan global terrorism is also important issues likely to come to the surface for discussion as two sides have also set up a joint working group for combating terrorism.

On Wednesday Merkel will go to financial capital Mumbai for strengthening business ties.