Current scene chance to boost Indo-German ties: Steinmeier

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said bilateral cooperation can be deepened in renewable energy, infrastructure, cleaning of rivers

Eager to add a new impetus to Indo-German ties under the Narendra Modi government, Germany today said bilateral cooperation can be deepened in renewable energy, infrastructure, cleaning of rivers and vocational training besides high technology and the manufacturing sector.

Noting that there is a "lot to do", German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he had a "very good and constructive talks" with Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and others.

Giving details of his visit, the German Minister said, "I am here, because we also know in Germany that Prime Minister Modi has initiated huge reforms here in India and we know that there are high expectations not only from the normal people, but also from the businesses".

Talking to reporters on the lawns of the India Gate, he underlined that the current situation in India was a "chance" for Germany.

"Chance for giving a new impetus to the Indo-German economic relations. And I think there is a lot to do," he said.

Asked what were the areas that has the potential for deeper cooperation, he said, "There is an interest, in what I learnt with our exchange with your business community, with your Minister of Urbanisation, there is a big interest in cooperation in developing infrastructure for example, in developing smart cities, cleaning the rivers, renewable energy.

"I think these are branches, these are technologies where there are good chances for a close cooperation between India and Germany".

Steinmeier said high technology and all fields of manufacturing are also the areas that can see deeper cooperation.

"Prime Minister Modi is very interested in our experience of vocational training...So therefore, training, vocational training is a relevant issue in our cooperation," he said.