Berlin, April 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will chair the second Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) between India and Germany here today.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will participate in the consultations.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid had earlier said that United Nations Security Council reforms could be high on the agenda for discussions during the bilateral summit. He said both countries will make efforts to achieve the goal within the Group of Four framework.
India and Germany are also likely to discuss the status of the European Union Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and hold talks on Afghanistan.
During the visit, India will seek technology and expertise from Germany in the field of renewable energy. Berlin is also likely to extend a line of credit worth over a billion Euro in this regard.
Germany is keen about making investments and providing expertise on the Delhi-Mumbai Freight Corridor.
The first round of Indo-German Inter-Governmental Consultations took place in New Delhi on May 31, 2011.
In Asia, the Inter-Governmental Consultation format is used with only two other countries-Israel and China. Germany also has such meetings with its European partners.
Dr. Singh is being accompanied by Salman Khurshid, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah, Human Resource Development Minister M.M. Pallam Raju and Science and Technology Minister S. Jaipal Reddy.
Prior to his departure, Dr. Singh had said in New Delhi that Germany is a key partner for India in areas like infrastructure, manufacturing, science and technology, higher education, vocational training and clean and renewable energy.
"We expect to sign a number of agreements and Memorandums of Understanding in these areas," he said, adding, "I intend to seek greater trade and investment ties with Germany".
Dr. Singh is making his second visit to Germany in three years at the invitation of Chancellor Merkel. He visited Germany last in December 2010. (ANI)
|
|
Comments:
