Modi, Merkel to Visit Bangalore On October 6

Just a few days after teaming up with India at the United Nations, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will arrive here on October 4.

“I think it is high time that the suspended talks between India and European Union should be resumed”. I am certain she (Merkel) will pick up this topic as well.

As per sources, under the broad understanding between the two sides, India will continue to teach German as an additional language in keeping with its three language policy while Germany will promote Indian languages, including Sanskrit, in their educational institutions.

Noting that issues can not be addressed by staying away from talks, Ney said the FTA issue was particularly close to the heart of Merkel.

On the second leg of her visit, Merkel along with the Prime Minister Modi will leave for Bangalore on Monday evening to head a joint meeting of business leaders of both countries and meet top executives of Indian start-ups, IT companies and hi-tech engineering research and development (R&D) firms at India’s Silicon Valley at the Nasscom-organised meeting.

Merkel will be accompanied by six cabinet ministers, including foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

It also stated, “The IGC is a unique Summit-level dialogue with Cabinet participation of both Governments that helps advance the bilateral partnership across the whole range of priority areas of mutual interest between the two countries”.

This is the third such interaction between the two governments; the past two took place in 2011 in India and 2013 in Germany.

Addressing a press conference, the Envoy said that a survey of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce showed that German companies had high expectations from their investments in India. While announcements are expected in nearly all these areas, the German industry that will be part of the delegation is also likely to raise its concerns on the ease of doing business in India. The agenda will cover issues such as security, economy, development, cooperation, clean energy, climate change, infrastructure, urban mobility, innovation, higher education, skills development, culture and food security.

But German companies were facing several problems-corruption, uncertainties in taxation rules and the legal ramifications for investments in India, Ney said. One of the projects involves German investments into a new green energy corridor to cut down transmission losses that could be to the tune of $1.28 billion. In a symbolic gesture, Dr. Merkel will board her flight to New Delhi a day after starting national celebrations for the 25th anniversary of German reunification.