PM Manmohan in Berlin to attend Inter-Govermental Consultations with its key economic partner Germany

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived in Berlin, Germany to attend the 2nd Inter-Governmental Consultations between India and Germany along with External Minister Salman Khurshid, Human Resource Development Minister M M Pallam Raju, Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah, and Science and Technology Minister S Jaipal Reddy while Commerce Minister Anand Sharma reached Berlin coming back from Geneva trip.

In addition to the ministers accompanied with the PM, National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, who is part of the delegation, will address security-related issues and hold a strategic dialogue during the visit.

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be participating in the two day Inter-Governmental consultations.

Before leaving to Berlin, Singh had said in New Delhi that Germany is a key partner for India and is expecting to sign a number of agreements in key areas like infrastructure, manufacturing, science and technology, higher education, vocational training and clean and renewable energy. 

The bilateral trade between the two nations had registered an increase of 18.4 per cent and reached Euros 18.37 billion in 2011. But, due to global economic slowdown, bilateral trade saw a dip of 5.5 per cent last year. Germany is India's largest economic partner in Europe and one of the key global partners for trade, investment and technology. 

Mr. Singh said he will be explaining a number of steps taken by his government to improve the investment environment in the country and making it a profitable destination for investors. He elaborated that he will seek Chancellor's support for an early conclusion of a balanced India-EU Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement, which will open up new Economic opportunities.

The other important issues which Indian side will take up is to discuss is United Nations Security Council Reforms, regional issues including Afghanistan and counter-terrorism.

The IGCs, first held in May 2011 in Delhi, provide a useful forum for discussions on the full spectrum of bilateral relationship and have helped advance Indo-German cooperation in a broad range of areas.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Germany, Singh will also call on President of Germany Joachim Gauck and participate in the closing ceremony of the 'Days of India in Germany'.