Later he told to reporters that what he saw in Kolkata by far surpassed his expectations. He highlighted the significance of Kolkata's geographic location, saying that a lot of German firms would be interested in collaborating for infrastructure development pro grammes in the region.

"Kolkata has an important, strategic location and can serve as a gateway to East and Southeast Asia. It would play an important role for closer cooperation and integration. If there are any tenders for infrastructure projects in the state then you would find German companies actively participating in them," he said.

He said the Asian region had acquired a "global face" and any development in this part of the world would have a resonance in other parts including America and Europe.

"We see this as a challenge for Germany and an opportunity to engage with partners like India in a mutually beneficial relationship," said BlomeyerBartenstein.

He however, said that despite several common interests, New Delhi and Berlin had differences, especially with respect to the issue of nuclear energy.

"While Germany is trying to get out of it, India is trying to get in," he said, adding that Germany treated the deal as one between two democratic countries, but would nevertheless monitor closely the agreements that India would make with the IAEA.

"Germany has some views regarding nuclear proliferation which are well known," he said.