Prime Minister Narendra Modi today embarked on a four nation tour to Germany, Spain, Russia and France.

Our correspondent covering Prime Minister’s visit reports that trade and commerce, economic cooperation and counter terrorism will be high on the agenda during the visit to these four European countries.

Mr Modi will visit Germany first where he will take part in the 4th Indo-German Inter-governmental Consultations and meet German Chancellor to strengthen bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister will arrive in Berlin this evening. He will then have an informal dinner with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the official country retreat. The consultations will begin tomorrow.

Both countries will hold ministerial level talks on various issues including trade and industry, technology, medicine and defence. Union Ministers Harsh Vardhan, Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Seetharaman, MJ Akbar are expected to facilitate talks between the two countries.

CEOs of business establishments are eager to put forward their thoughts and ideas in accomplishing the targets set forth. More from our correspondent:

In a series of messages on social Media platform yesterday, the Prime Minister hoped that this visit will open a new chapter in bilateral relations with Germany and further deepen strategic partnership.

Mr Modi said, India will seek active participation of Spanish industry in various Indian projects including infrastructure, smart cities, digital economy, renewable energy, defence and tourism. Mr. Modi also expressed his commitment to strengthening and advancing India’s multi faceted partnership with France which is India’s 9th largest investment partner.

The Prime Minister further said, he is looking forward to visit St.Petersburg in this special year as India and Russia celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The Indian Ambassador to Germany Muktha Dutta Tomar has said that Germany is a valued partner for India and Prime Minister’s visit will reiterate the strength and the valued relationship of both the countries further.

In an interview to AIR, the Ambassador said that the Intergovernmental consultation will provide a road-map of Indo-German collaboration in trade, investment, science and technology, skill development, security and counter terrorism co-operation.

She said that Germany was among the top ten countries investing in India. India has lent support to 74 small and medium enterprises planning to invest 650 million Euros in the country.