Merkel in India to talk trade, security

India, 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 percent last year to 10 billion euros (14.4 billion dollars), according to Indian data.

Political cooperation between the two countries has also grown significantly, foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.

Merkel will hold one-on-one talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday, with the two leaders expected to announce agreements on scientific and defence cooperation, and on intellectual property rights.

Merkel will also meet Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Sonia Gandhi, head of India's powerful Congress ruling party.

New Delhi, Tuesday, AFP.