German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen meets PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI: Germany today expressed keen interest in collaborating with India in defence technology and equipment, including manufacturing, besides cyber security and maritime cooperation.

This was conveyed by German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when she met him here.

Modi invited German companies to take advantage of enormous opportunities of defence manufacturing and defence research and development in India, a PMO statement said.

Leyen said German Chancellor Angela Merkel was looking forward to her visit in October 2015 for the Inter-Governmental Commission meeting as an opportunity to deepen cooperation across all areas of bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to the visit.

The German Minister mentioned that India's participation in the Hannover Trade Fair as 'partner country' and the Prime Minister's presence at the inauguration in April had made a visible impact in Germany and there was a strong interest now in the ' Make-in-India' mission.

Recalling his visit to Germany, Modi said he had excellent discussions with Merkel and German business leaders.

He reiterated that India considered Germany as a vital economic partner, including in areas like skill development and manufacturing.