Merkel accorded ceremonial welcome, meets Modi

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is here on a three-day official visit, was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the German leader ahead of delegational level talks between the two sides.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted: "It's a Guten Morgen in Delhi as Chancellor Angela Merkel receives a ceremonial welcome at the @RashtrapatiBhvn."

"A personal warmth. EAM @SushmaSwaraj calls on Chancellor Angela Merkel, welcomes her before delegation level talks," he tweeted.

"Bringing Berlin and New Delhi closer. PM @narendramodi greets Chancellor Merkel at Hyderabad House," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Merkel at Hyderabad House, the state guest house, before the two sides sat down for talks.

Trade, security and the India-EU trade agreement are expected to figure in the talks and some agreements set to be inked.