Berlin, April 14 (IANS): India and Germany on Tuesday said they would explore ways of expanding dialogue in foreign and defence sectors and address global challenges like climate change, energy and food security.

In a joint statement issued after talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the two countries also promised to cooperate in skill development, Ganga rejuvenation and manufacturing.

"We are exploring ways of expanding our dialogue on foreign policy and security issues. We welcome the proposed visits of the defence minister of Germany to India and the external affairs minister of India to Germany before the inter-governmental consultations," the statement said.

"Our common objective is to encourage greater synergies between German engineering, experience in sustainable development, innovation and skills and the new opportunities available in India and through 'Make in India', 'Clean India', 'Digital India' and other initiatives towards achieving economic growth and sustainable development," it said.

The statement promised to take the partnership between the two countries into the future. "We will work together on meeting global challenges such as climate change, energy and food security."

The two countries also promised to utilize the momentum generated by India's participation in the Hannover Messe to foster stronger ties between business and industry on both sides in order to support India's Make in India initiative.