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.
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.
