German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be visiting India from 4th to 6th October for the 3rd Inter-Governmental Consultations, IGC. She will be accompanied by a large delegation including several Cabinet Ministers,and business delegates. External Affairs Ministry, in a release said, the visit will be an opportunity to consolidate stronger strategic, political and economic partnership between India and Germany. <br/><br/>After her arrival, Chancellor Merkel will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhawan on 5th, followed by a visit to Rajghat and official meetings between the two leaders and Inter-Governmental Consultations between the two delegations. The IGC is a Summit-level dialogue with Cabinet participation of both Governments that helps advance the bilateral partnership across the whole range of priority areas of mutual interest. <br/><br/>Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Merkel will hold discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including deepening bilateral engagement in defence, security, education, renewable energy, railways and agriculture. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of common concern. India and Germany are strategic partners since 2001.