German embassy on standby with face masks as Merkel visits smoggy Delhi

November 01, 2019 08:13

From the clean, crisp air of Berlin in the "good" category of the Air Quality Index, German Chancellor Angela Merkel landed in New Delhi that has been grappling with air quality in the "severe" levels.

With the AQI touching the 300-mark in South and Central Delhi where Merkel will stay and interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a two-day visit, the embassy is ready with its protective measures.

Reports state that anti-pollution face masks have been kept for the delegation that has left Germany and is heading for India. All hotel suites where they stay have air purifiers in place.

Merkel will be accompanied by three cabinet ministers, nine junior ministers, and secretary-level officers. In all, 12 of the 15 ministries will be represented in her team.

During her visit from October 31 to November 2, Modi and Merkel are expected to deliberate on key regional and global issues including the situation in Afghanistan, West Asia and Korean peninsula. The two are expected to sign nearly 20 agreements as well.

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