Merkel in India after Iran airspace setback

India and Germany on Tuesday discussed the threat of terrorism and the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan among other conflict zones as the German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived here on a two-day’s visit with a large delegation to boost ties in the field of trade, research and technology.

The German chancellor’s visit was delayed by the denial of overflight by Iran in its airspace, forcing her plane to circle over Turkey for two hours before it was allowed entry.

She will leave Wednesday morning for Singapore.

The two countries signed four agreements on cooperation in vocational education, medical research and science and technology.

The Chancellor and the Prime Minister met with the Co-Chairs of the Indo-German Consultative Group, which comprises industrialists.

“Our discussions today covered views on the situation in West Asia and North Africa, including developments in Libya and how they impact on regional peace and stability. We reviewed the latest developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and will continue our discussions on these matters,” PM Singh said in a joint statement.

“We both recognise that terrorism is a serious challenge that has to be fought on all fronts and not selectively,” Singh said.

“As members of the G-4, we have agreed to keep in close touch on the issue of the reform of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.

Singh said he conveyed to Chancellor Merkel India?s interest in a strong, prosperous and open Eurozone that contributes fully to the global economic recovery process, in which Germany is playing a pivotal role.
“We will continue to work together within the G-20,” he said.

He said Germany is India’s largest trading partner in Europe and one of our most important partners for technological collaboration and joint research and development. It is also amongst the largest foreign investors in India.

“Our bilateral trade was more than 15 billion Euros last year, and is on course to reach the target of 20 billion Euros per year by 2012,” Singh said.

“I have reiterated to the Chancellor our desire to have greater German investment in India, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, high technology, energy and basic and applied sciences.

“We wish to expand our production and R&D base and encourage more technology transfers,” Singh said.

“India offers a stable and friendly investment climate and a large growing market. I welcome the progress that is being made on the issue of high technology exports from Germany to India. This will benefit both economies,” Singh said.

Singh said he happy that agreements in science and technology and research have been signed between the institutions of the two countries.
“These will encourage greater exchanges in areas such as biotechnology, nano-technology and material sciences,” he said.

Delayed by the denial of entry into its airspace by Iran, German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in India on Tuesday morning to hold the first inter-governmental consultations at the cabinet-level between the two sides on infrastructure, energy and defence.

However, her flight was delayed by reported denial of Iran to enter its airspace, forcing the plane to circle over Turkey.

Reports said there were three planes comprising the delegations, but only her plane was denied permission in Iranian airspace.

What was the immediate provocation of Iran to deny that was not clear, but the action is likely to trigger a diplomatic row.

One of the few, and the first Asian nation, with whom Germany holds a joint cabinet meeting, Merkel?s visit is being seen as a big boost for New Delhi, as Berlin tries to convince India on binding environmental reforms and ink a fighter jet deal.

The Indo-German inter-governmental meet in New Delhi is being chaired jointly by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chancellor Merkel, and attended by five German cabinet ministers as well as senior officials from several ministries.

Boosting trade, investments and economic cooperation are on the agenda along with new possibilities for cooperation in India?s infrastructure sector, renewable and conventional energy, technical education and vocational training and defence.

In defence deals Merkel is expected to make a strong push for the Eurofighter aircraft to give a strong competition to the French-made Rafale.

On Wednesday she is expected to attend a concert marking the opening of the ?Year of Germany in India? in New Delhi to mark the six decades of successful diplomacy between the two nations.

Chancellor Merkel?s visit coincides with the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Germany.

The PM also congratulated Chancellor Merkel on the conferment of the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for the year 2009.

In the evening Merkel is calling on the President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil who presents the Jawaharlal Nehru Award to the Chancellor.

Thereafter she departs for Siri Fort Auditorium where she would witness a classical concert, featuring German and Indian musicians, to mark the launch of the Year of Germany in India.

In the evening, Prime Minister of India will host a private dinner in her honour.