Rome/New Delhi, Oct 31 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held talks with outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rome, and said she has made an immense contribution in strengthening Indo-German ties.
The two leaders also held extensive talks on the bilateral relations. The meeting was attended by Olaf Scholz, who is expected to be the next German Chancellor.
The Prime Minister in a tweet said:
“Chancellor Merkel has made an immense contribution in strengthening Indo-German relations. Delighted to meet her today, after a long time, in Rome for a wide-ranging and fruitful conversation.”
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a tweet said:
“PM @narendramodi met Chancellor Merkel on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
“Extensively discussed India-Germany bilateral relations and reaffirmed our commitment to maintain the close Strategic Partnership with Germany.”
The Prime Minister’s Office in a tweet said:
“PM @narendramodi and Chancellor Merkel met on the sidelines of the Rome @g20org Summit.
“There were extensive deliberations on India-Germany relations. The strong friendship between the two nations augurs well for the well-being of our planet,” it posted.
The photo of the bilateral meeting showed Olaf Scholz seated next to Chancellor Merkel. He is attending the G-20 in his capacity as finance minister, and has been part of Chancellor Merkel’s bilateral meetings with other world leaders, including with US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Chancellor Merkel has been the Chancellor for 16 years from 2005 to 2021.
Scholz’s Social Democrats won the general election in September 26 and are in talks with both the Free Democrats (FDP) and the Greens to build a coalition government by the end of this year.
UNI/RN