Angela Merkel’s 3-day India visit: Some facts you need to know about

New Delhi, Oct 5: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who arrived here on a three-day visit to India, will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi today.

The discussions between the two leaders will cover a wide range of issues including security and defence, with special focus on boosting trade ties.

Here are some facts you need to know about it

• India and Germany have a 'Strategic Partnership' since 2001.

• Germany and India cooperate closely on the issue of UNSC expansion within the framework of G-4.

• India-Germany Defence Cooperation Agreement (2006) provides a framework for bilateral defence cooperation.

• Germany is India's largest trading partner in Europe.

• Germany has consistently been among India's top ten global trade partners.

• Bilateral trade between India and Germany in 2014 was valued at €15.96 billion.

• Indian investments in Germany have also shown a remarkable increase in the last few years. Indian corporate entities have invested over US$ 6 billion in Germany.

• There are more than 200 Indian companies operating in Germany. Sectors of IT, automotive, pharma and biotech have received a chunk of Indian Investments.

• Approximately 10,000 Indian students are pursuing various courses in Germany, while around 800 German students are studying or doing their internships in India.