India –German Likely to Sign 20 Agreements: Merkel

Anumber of agreements will be signed between India and Germany signifying theirbroad-based ties and the 'very close' relationship between the two countries, saidGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday.

AngelaMerkel made the remarks after being received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi atthe Rashtrapati Bhawan where she was accorded a ceremonial welcome afterarriving Delhi on Thursday night on a two-day visit.

While speakingto reporters with Prime Minister Modi by her side, Merkel said that she wasdelighted to be in India for the fifth Inter-Governmental Consultations.

She said, "I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the very warm and gracious welcome with which we have been received here. This is my fourth visit to India and I look forward to a very interesting programme."

The German Chancellor further said that Germany and India have been cooperating for many years and will build on this cooperation in the future adding that both the countries are linked by very close ties. She said, "We will have discussions on issues of mutual interest. We also have the opportunity of signing a number of MoUs and agreements that show that we have a very broad-based and deep relationship."

Merkel will be holding talks with Modi on a host of bilateral issues and nearly 20 agreements are expected to sign between the two countries, the sources said, as reported by news agency PTI.

Merkelwill call on President Ram Nath Kovind in the evening and will also hold ameeting with the prime minister at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence.

OnSaturday, the German leader will meet a business delegation and visitContinental Automotive Components India Pvt Ltd in Manesar near Gurgaon.Before heading home, the chancellor will also visitthe Dwarka Sector 21 Metro Station.