PM Modi to seek Germany’s support

New Delhi: After hosting EU MPs India will seek support from Germany for its moves on Kashmir when PM Narendra Modi hosts German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the biennial summit in Delhi on Friday.

Merkel will be first seniormost EU leader to visit India since August 5 when the government abrogated special status of J & K under Article 370.

Germany had earlier described the move as India's internal matter and India will seek that support at the highest level when Merkel visits India armed with 12 Ministers. German support is critical for India given its influence in Europe.


On the eve of the visit German ambassador to India Walter Lindner said Germany supports the EU position on Kashmir and that the issue is bilateral subject between India and Pakistan.

Both Delhi and Berlin will seek to expand its highly successful economic partnership and add strategic heft that could see Germany playing an active role in Indo-Pacific region in partnership with India in future. Germany's prospective role in the Indo-Pacific region will be explored at the summit on Friday, ET has learnt.

While the two sides could conclude a pact on space matters during Merkel's visit to expand growing strategic partnership, Delhi is also eyeing to source defence equipment and partner with German defence industries in future.

Due to her medical condition, certain provisions from the Order relating to the National Anthem of India will be invoked to allow German Chancellor Angela Merkel to be seated while the national anthems of both countries are playing during the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on 1 November.

Chancellor Merkel's difficulties in standing without support are known and lately, she has been seen seated at ceremonial events, both at home and abroad, which would have normally required her to stand.

The exemption as per the Order is being invoked based on a request from the German side to accommodate Chancellor's wish to be accorded the ceremonial welcome.