PM Modi meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel on G-20 summit sidelines, discusses ways to deepen Indo-German ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed ways to deepen the Indo-German relations and enhance cooperation in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The two leaders met in the Japanese port city of Osaka on the sidelines of the G-20 summit.

"Further enriching a cherished friendship, PM @narendramodi met Chancellor Merkel of #Germany on the margins of #G20OsakaSummit. Discussed enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, E-mobility, cyber security, railway modernisation & skill development. @eoiberlin," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

READ: United Nations Chief Urges G-20 Leaders To Make Equitable Financial Reforms

The Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet,

Germany is India's largest trade partner in the 28-member European Union bloc. In 2016-17, the bilateral trade turnover was USD 18.76 billion, with India exporting goods worth USD 7.18 billion to Germany and importing German products worth USD 11.58 billion, according to German media.

On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Japan for the G20 Summit during which he attended important plurilateral meetings and met with the world leaders. The theme of this year's G20 Summit hosted by Japan is 'Human-centered future society'. This is Prime Minister Modi's sixth G20 Summit.

READ: PM Modi Holds 'JAI' Trilateral Meet With US President Donald Trump And Japan PM Shinzō Abe On The Sidelines Of G20 Summit

There will be four sessions as a part of the summit namely global economy, trade, and investment, innovation in the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Other topics will include free trade and economic growth, including taxation, finance, inclusive and sustainable world, energy and environment, society quality infrastructure, global health, aging, climate change, and marine plastic waste

Besides India, other participants are European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Republic of South Africa, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a trilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe on Friday ahead of the formal opening of the G-20 Summit. He is also set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Putin and other leaders during the June 28-29 summit.

(With PTI inputs)