NEW DELHI: German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in India on Monday for a visit expected to focus on security and trade issues, as Europe’s largest economy aims to strengthen ties with the Asian giant.

It is Merkel’s first visit as chancellor to India, which is emerging as an important market for Germany: bilateral trade increased about 40 per cent last year to 10 billion euros ($14.4), according to Indian data.

Political cooperation between the two countries has also grown significantly, foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said before Merkel’s arrival.

“We are keeping each other briefed, where possible we are aligning positions,” he said, citing examples as their stances on UN reform and terrorism.

Berlin is also anxious for India and Pakistan to overcome tensions and complete an on-off peace process designed to end six decades of hostility between the neighbours.

The chancellor’s advisers have said Merkel plans to raise global warming with Indian leaders, who have signalled the country is not ready to compromise its economic growth by accepting binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions.—AFP