The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the close bilateral cooperation between India and Germany and pledged to strengthen their trade and investment relations. They also agreed to expand the scope of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership to new areas, including Green Hydrogen. 

 

"Chancellor Merkel has made a huge contribution in strengthening Indo-German relations. Delighted to meet her today, after a long time, in Rome for a wide-ranging and fruitful conversation," Mr. Narendra Modi tweeted.

 

Recalling their longstanding cooperation and personal friendship, Prime Minister Narendra Modi complimented the Chancellor Merkel for her leadership in not just Germany but also at the European and global level. He committed to maintain the close Strategic Partnership with Merkel’s successor, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

 

Ms. Merkel, 67, who is stepping down after 16 years at the helm of the largest economy in Europe, has led the country through the global financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Prime Minister conveyed best wishes to Chancellor Merkel for the future and invited her to visit India, the statement said.

"Reaffirmed our commitment to maintain the close Strategic Partnership with Germany," it said in another tweet.

 

Mr. Modi, who is in Rome at the invitation of his Italian counterpart Mario Draghi to attend the G20 summit, was accompanied by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and other officials during his meeting with Merkel.

 

Italy has been holding the presidency of the G20 since December last year.