'German Strengths and India's Priorities Aligned,' Says PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held bilateral talks in New Delhi today. The two leaders later addressed a joint presser.

Here are the highlights of what PM Modi said:

• It is a great pleasure to welcome Chancellor Merkel
• On behalf of the people of India, I warmly congratulate Germany on the 25th anniversary of German reunification
• Your leadership is a source of confidence and reassurance at a difficult moment for Europe and the world
• You have chosen to visit India despite many concerns at home
• The mechanism of inter-governmental consultation is certainly unique
• German strengths and India's priorities are aligned. And, so is our mutual goodwill
• I admire German leadership in clean energy and commitment to combating climate change
• I welcome Germany's strong support for India's membership of the international export control regimes
• In course of the past year, our ties have deepened
• Germany is a natural partner in India's economic transformation
• I am confident that after this extraordinary session, the tree of our friendship will blossom
• I believe in a world of seamless challenges and opportunities, India and Germany can be strong partners in a sustainable world
• We share values and comfort and a sense of responsibility
• German engineering and Indian IT can create the next wave
• To combat temperature we must also change our temperament
• I place great value on Germany's assistance of over one billion euros each for India's Green Energy Corridor and for solar projects
• As we discussed at the G4 Summit, Chancellor and I are committed to pursue reforms of the United Nations, especially the Security Council
• Also special thanks to Dr. Merkel and Germany for returning the Durga idol which was from a temple in Jammu & Kashmir
• In this age of transitions and turmoil, India-Germany partnership will be a force of good

Highlights of what Chancellor Angela Merkel said:

• We made best possible use of time. We have been able to sign so many agreements
• Economic relations are of great importance
• We are gratified to know that our SMEs are welcome in India
• There are a number of areas where we agreed - greatly enhancing cooperation in science technology and vocational fields
• We believe that India's experience in digitisation will help us. There is great room for further projects
• Energy cooperation is very much in the foreground, particularly in rural areas
• Sustainable development can only be ensured when you are not neglecting your rural areas