Visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed ways to forward bilateral ties and improve trade and investment. The meeting took place at the renovated Sunder Nursery, a 90-acre heritage park near Humayun’s Tomb. The issue of global and regional security was also discussed and the two leaders pledged support to each other in the fight against violence, radicalisation and terrorism.
Earlier in the day, he received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The German President, who is on a five-day visit to India, was accorded with a guard of honour in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the occasion, Steinmeier said: “I have been to India several times but this is my first visit here as the President of Germany. I am coming again and again because I am coming with huge respect for regarding all the achievements in India, for the people and the country itself.”
Steinmeier also held discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Besides, he visited Jama Masjid, addressed students at the Delhi University and spoke at a business roundtable. “Engaging discussion on broadening and deepening our strategic partnership. The two sides attach priority to the relationship, bilaterally and also in the global context,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said after EAM’s meeting with Steinmeier.
On Sunday he will travel to Chennai where he will address students at IIT, Chennai, and a group of business leaders. He will also visit the Shore temple in Mahabalipuram. This is Steinmeier’s first visit to India as President. The five day visit from March 22-26 comes close to the time when Germany’s new grand coalition government took over on March 14.