Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets Merkel on birthday, World Cup win

NEW DELHI: German Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Germany in what is described as a “fruitful conversation” that the two leaders had on the telephone on Thursday.

The two leaders spoke after PM Modi arrived in Frankfurt on Thursday en route to India from Brazil where he had gone to attend the Brics summit.

Mr Modi in turn invited the German chancellor to visit India in 2015 anmd she accepted his invite.

The PM also congratulated the German Chancellor on the “splendid victory” of her country’s football team and wished her a happy brithday. Ms Merkel celebrated her 60th birthday on Thursday.

Mr Modi could not meet Ms Merkel on his way to Brazil via Germany, where he made a transit halt, as she chose to fly to Brazil to see her country play in the world cup finals.

The PM also told Ms Merkel that India regards Germany as a very important partner and that his government will work closely with Germany to strengthen bilateral strategic partnership.