Germany is seeking to broaden its ties with India, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Monday, ahead of an upcoming trip to New Delhi.

“For us, India is one of the central partners worldwide,” said Mr Wadephul, who is set to make his inaugural visit to the world’s most populous country on Tuesday.

Cooperation on economic matters, security, and defence is mutually beneficial for both countries, Mr. Wadephul said.

The foreign minister is due to begin his two-day trip in the southern city of Bangalore, where he is aiming to “take the pulse of what makes India’s innovative strength so powerful and explore even greater opportunities for cooperation.”

On the agenda for Mr Wadephul in the high-tech metropolis would be topics such as research, science, and migration.

Indians are the largest group of foreign students in Germany, and highly sought-after skilled workers are an indispensable pillar for Europe’s largest economy.

Mr Wadephul’s meetings are scheduled to focus on strengthening structures for legal migration, including speeding up visa processes and language training courses.

Talks in the capital, New Delhi, on Wednesday are expected to centre on relations with China and Russia.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Wadephul also called on the European Union and India to complete a planned free trade deal as soon as possible.

The two sides are endeavouring to reach an agreement this year to reduce customs duties and simplify supply chains.

Negotiations on a trade agreement between the EU and India, a country home to approximately 1.4 billion people, resumed three years ago.

Talks previously took place between 2007 and 2013 before breaking down. 

(dpa/NAN)