New Delhi, October 28:

India will roll out the red carpet for German chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday as she begins her first state visit to the country, which will bring Asia’s growing economy and Europe’s industrial powerhouse closer and enhance cooperation on global issues like climate change and energy security.

India and Germany will cement their burgeoning political and strategic ties by signing a clutch of pacts in areas of science and tec-hnology, trade and economy and a pact on exchange of classified information in the defence sector.

More business with India is Merkel’s mantra during her four-day long trip that also takes her to the country’s financial hub Mumbai. About 30 top business honchos representing crème da la crème of German finance and industry like European plane maker Airbus, conglomerate Siemens, rail operator Deutsche Bahn and reinsurer Munich Re will accompany her.

Merkel will hold talks with Indian prime minister on Tuesday.