This is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pitch for India in Germany, the world's engineering hub

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that his visit of Germany is aimed at realising the 'immense' potential that exists between New Delhi and Berlin, inviting companies of the European nation to invest and manufacture in India.

"My visit to Germany and India's participation at the Hannover Messe as a partner country is aimed at realising the immense possibilities that exist between us. In my discussions with Chancellor Merkel and with captains of German industry, I intend to share our sense of optimism and confidence in our future plans. I will also listen carefully to learn what more we can do to address concerns of German entrepreneurs with regard to investment and manufacturing in India," the Prime Minister wrote in an op-ed for a German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Terming Germany as India's 'preferred partner' in skill development, Prime Minister Modi elaborated on the sectors in which the two nations can collaborate.

"We see Germany as our preferred partner in developing skills of young Indians. We also want to learn from Germany's path-breaking experiences in renewable energy. We wish to replicate your success in solar roof-top projects and off-grid solar and wind power solutions, as well as your expertise in grid integration and management. Our smart city project can utilize your technologies to achieve water, waste and urban development objectives. We admire Germany's achievements in the application of technology solutions to meet environmental challenges," the Prime Minister wrote.

"You are also our natural ally in my government's 'Clean India' initiative. We also want to benefit from Germany's experience in cleaning the River Ganga. We invite your transport companies, including your railways, to assist us in the modernisation of our transport networks. Your logistics and infrastructure companies can contribute to ongoing development of industrial corridors in India," he added.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Prime Minister Modi referred to poverty as 'the worst form of violence', adding that man's progress in the 21st century will depend upon 'cooperation and collaboration'.

"I visualize India as a key engine of global growth. Our democratic principles and practices are guarantors of stability. We have a free media and an independent judiciary that allows all opinions to be aired without fear. We believe in 'rahein saath badhe saath' (stay together-grow together). There is no other way forward," he wrote.

"Mankind's progress in this century depends on cooperation and collaboration. Conflict is unthinkable. So is poverty which Gandhi called the worst form of violence. If we can take all Indians together into a better socio-economic future, I believe that the world we share will be a better place for all," he added.

Prime Minister Modi, currently in Germany for the second leg of his three-nation tour, inaugurated the Hannover Messe on Sunday and vowed to remove unnecessary regulations and procedures to simplify the process of foreign investment in India, as well as to make it easier for other countries to initiate business deals.

He also attended a round table conference with German CEOs, with Voith CEO Dr.Hubert Lienhard and Bombardier Transportation CEO Lutz Bertling among those present at the meeting.

The Prime Minister arrived in Hannover after concluding a successful visit to France. He will depart for the final leg of his three-nation, nine-day tour on April 14, flying to Ottawa. (ANI)