Prime Minister Narendra Modi who arrived in Berlin, Germany on Monday on a three-nation Europe journey which begins in Germany, where he will hold bilateral talks with Chancellor Olaf Scholz and co-chair the India-Germany inter-governmental dialogues. The visit to Germany takes place at a time when both New Delhi and Berlin are attempting to strengthen bilateral ties.
“Landed in Berlin. Today, I will be holding talks with Chancellor @OlafScholz, interacting with business leaders and addressing a community programme. I am confident this visit will boost the friendship between India and Germany,” PM Modi tweeted both in English and German upon arriving here.
PM Modi was welcomed by the Indian diaspora in the German capital. Modi responded to this gesture and tweeted: "It was early morning in Berlin yet several people from the Indian community came by. Was wonderful connecting with hem. India is proud of the accomplishments of our diaspora."
An Indian community member said he had travelled 400 kilometres to come to Berlin to see PM Modi. “We were excited to get a glimpse of PM Modi. We came to Berlin after driving 400kms distance. He respectfully greeted each one of us from the Indian diaspora. Further, we're looking forward to attending the PM's address to the diaspora,” Gaurang Kuteja said.
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Meanwhile, the PM interacted with some members of the Indian community including children. One girl named Manya showed PM Modi a painting of his that she had made. “It was a wonderful experience meeting PM Modi. He is my icon. He signed the painting I made of him and said to me ‘Shabaash’,” said Manya.PM Modi also praised a young Indian-origin boy after he sang a patriotic song upon his arrival in Berlin.
PM Modi is visiting Germany for the fifth time since becoming the prime minister. He had earlier visited Germany in April 2018, July 2017, May 2017 and April 2015. Today’s meeting would be PM Modi's first with Olaf as German Chancellor, who took office in December 2021.