PM Modi recalls On last visit to Berlin, Germany won the FIFA World Cup', this visit cooperation will reach 'new heights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that on his last visit to Berlin, the German national football team had won the FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, adding that he is confident that the two nations will be successful in taking their partnership to new heights.

"When I last came to Berlin, Germany was successful in winning the World Cup Final. This time in Berlin, I feel that we will also be successful in taking the strategic partnership between India and Germany to new heights," the Prime Minister said, during the joint press statement with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

In the World Cup final on July 13, 2014, Germany had beaten Argentina 1-0 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a Guard of Honour during the ceremonial welcome given by Chancellor Merkel in the courtyard of the Federal Chancellery in Berlin.

The Prime Minister further stated that it is 'extremely crucial' for India to become a manufacturing hub and added that it would be a big blow to the country if it loses this opportunity.

"I believe that in the coming days, India is going to become a manufacturing hub. It is extremely crucial for us to use this opportunity to turn India into one and if we lose this opportunity, it will be a big loss," said Prime Minister Modi had said.

Prime Minister Modi, in Germany on the second leg of his three-nation tour, has vowed to remove unnecessary regulations and procedures to simplify the process of foreign investment in India, as well as to make it easier for other countries to initiate business deals.