India,Germany plan regular meets

In the run-up to Chancellor Angela Merkels visit next Tuesday,India and Germany have agreed to engage in a special format where five top Indian cabinet ministers and their German counterparts will have simultaneous one-on-one meetings every two years. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor will hold a bilateral meeting at the same time in this unique German format.

Germany holds this format of engagement with very few countries,and they are planning it with India,ahead of China. India and Germany have deep engagement in several areas. from science and technology to skill development,defence to nuclear safety.

At Germanys initiative,New Delhi has agreed to hold the first inter-governmental consultations a uniquely German format when Merkel visits New Delhi.

Five key ministers of both governments will discuss subjects of their concern,while PM Manmohan Singh meets Merkel for their bilateral meeting.