Ahead of the first Indo-German government consultations to be led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Foreign Ministers of the two countries on Monday held deliberations on key issues, including counter terrorism and the situation in the region.
Merkel, who is arriving here tomorrow with several other cabinet ministers, will hold talks on important global, regional and bilateral issues such as regional situation with a focus on security situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, UN reforms and enhance cooperation in areas of defence, security and trade.
A number of agreements are also likely to be signed in the field of science and technology and vocational training among other areas after the meeting.
With the exception of Israel, Germany for the first time is engaging in a cabinet-level meeting with any non-European country, indicating "a political signal" to enhance the bilateral ties.
During their talks, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna and his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle discussed wide-ranging issues such as combating international terrorism, recent regional developments, working towards reform of the United Nations Security Council and cooperation in the field of environment technologies and sustainable development, according to officials.
Asked if the issue of civil nuclear cooperation will also be raised during the meeting tomorrow, Joint Secretary in (Europe) in MEA T P Seetharam said India always looks for partners and it will be open in its discussions.
However, given Germany's domestic sentiment, it was up to them, he said.
Germany has decided to shut down all their nuclear power plants by 2022 due to domestic pressure following the tragedy in Fukushima, Japan.
Defence, counter-terrorism and security were some other strategic issues which are expected to figure high with India shortlisting the Medium Weight-Multi Role Combat Aircraft (M-MRCA)--Eurofighter typhoon.
During her stay, the German Chancellor will also receive the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for her efforts for sustainable and equitable development.
This year, Germany and India celebrate the 60th anniversary of establishing their bilateral diplomatic relations. To commemorate this occasion, Germany will present a 15-month series of events, titled 'Germany and India 2011-2012: Infinite Opportunities' in various cities in India.
With this series, Germany will present itself as an innovative, creative partner for India in resolving the challenges of the future with mobility, energy, sustainable city development, architecture, cultural spaces and education will feature prominently in the series.
