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The first ever government consultations demonstrated that several ministries already cooperate in a wide range of fields, she said, including foreign policy, economic policy and perhaps most of all in the fields of environmental and education policy.

But it is not only the political institutions of the two countries that cooperate closely. The federally-owned KfW Bank, for instance, is currently promoting the world’s largest photovoltaic solar power plant in the Indian town of Sakri. "I believe that the field of renewable energies in particular offer a huge scope for cooperation," declared the Chancellor confidently. India is planning more efficient coal-fired power stations while also aiming to expand the use of photovoltaic systems, both with German support.

During the Chancellor’s visit several public and private declarations of intent were signed.

Huge potential for cooperation

The two countries’ joint volume of trade appears likely to rise from a good 15 billion euros to 20 billion euros in the coming year, declared Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, demonstrating their optimism.

On the German side Federal Defence Minister Thomas de Maizière, Federal Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich, Federal Education Minister Annette Schavan and Federal Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer took part in the consultations. The Chancellor and her ministers were also accompanied to the Indian capital by a business delegation.

"We are on the right track," said Angela Merkel, summing up the dynamics of bilateral relations. The ministers responsible for urban development and infrastructure in particular pointed to the huge potential that still exists for cooperation. The possible areas go from highway construction to the railway sector and environmentally sound solid waste management.

"India offers a stable climate for investment and a growing market," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told representatives of German businesses. He also welcomed the growing high-tech imports from Germany.

On the same wavelength at international level

The two ministers of defence and the ministers of the interior also aim to expand cooperation, it was reported. India is making a major commitment in Afghanistan. Angela Merkel said it was a “shared wish” that Afghanistan become a state that is in a position to ensure its own security.

Along with Brazil and Japan, India and Germany (the "G4") will continue to push for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Angela Merkel and Manmohan Singh both stressed this point.

"Germany has a major interest in accompanying India along its exciting and extremely successful way," said the Chancellor. Sixty years of diplomatic relations can be best celebrated by ensuring that the good relations continue to grow and flourish.

Along with the Indian Prime Minister Angela Merkel opened the Germany Year 2011-2012 in New Delhi. In seven major Indian cities, Germany will be presenting itself as an innovative, creative and sustainable partner for India. The exhibition and presentation can be seen for two weeks in each of the seven cities. The programme will include cultural events, visits and presentations looking at the realms of politics, business, science and research. The overarching theme is "StadtRäume – CitySpaces".

Jawaharlal Nehru Prize

In New Delhi the Chancellor was also presented with the Jawaharlal Nehru Prize to mark her services in fostering international understanding. “It is a great honour for me to receive the Nehru Prize," she said.

From India the Chancellor will be travelling on to Singapore on Wednesday morning.