HANNOVER — Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Hannover in Germany on Sunday on the second leg of his three-nation tour and went straight into meetings with CEOs of major German companies to invite them to participate in his government's Make in India initiative. Modi was received on arrival at the Langenhagen Airport in Hannover by Mr Michael Steiner, German Ambassador to India, and other senior officials from both countries. Later, large numbers of members of the Indian community greeted Modi on his arrival at the Maritim Grand Hotel in the city. With business high on his agenda, Modi went into the meeting with CEOs soon after his arrival. Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was also present at the meeting. "Thank you France! Substantial ground was covered during my visit. Thankful to French Govt & people. Will always cherish the enthusiasm," Modi had said earlier on Twitter as he left France after a two-day visit during which he had held talks with French President Francois Hollande. Modi will leave from Germany on April 14 for a two-day visit to Canada on the third and final leg of his eight-day, three-nation tour. India is the partner country at the Hannover Messe, the Hannover Fair, this year and there is a large presence of Indian companies there this time. India has taken about 7000 square metres of space at the fair, including a central pavilion of 1200 sq m and about 400 Indian companies are displaying their products and services at the event. About 120 Indian CEOs are expected to be present. Later, Modi will visit the City Hall and thereafter unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hannover. He will be present at the opening of the Hannover Fair this evening by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will later host a working dinner for him. Modi and Merkel will jointly inaugurate the Indian pavilion at the fair, after which they will walk about the Central Pavilion and then inaugurate and address an India-Germany Business Summit. Modi will leave for Berlin, where he will visit the Siemens Technical Academy, a leader in vocational education. Later, he will meet Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel of Germany who is also the Minister of Economics and Energy. That will be followed by a community reception in the evening. On April 14, Mr Modi will have a call on him by German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Following this, there will be a ceremonial welcome by Chancellor Merkel at the Federal Chancellery. Ms Merkel will host a working lunch for him, over which they will have their talks, followed by their formal statements. Before leaving for Ottawa, Modi will visit a German railway station. — Agencies
