Story highlights Merkel meets with Indian Prime Minister Modi

Trump criticizes Germany over NATO and trade

(CNN) German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated her stance that Europe must "take our fate into our own hands" following a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Just a day after her Foreign Minister accused US President Donald Trump of "weakening the West," Merkel stressed the importance of US-German relations while at the same time looking eastward for new opportunities by holding court with an Indian delegation in Berlin.

"The discussions with the USA are just as important as with other partners -- the transatlantic relations is of incredible importance," she said during a joint news conference with Modi.

Merkel hailed India's committment to the Paris climate deal after meeting Modi (L) on Tuesday.

"But what I said at this current point in time is that there are more reasons than there even were before to take our fate into our hands in Europe."

Merkel also praised India for confirming it will comply with the Paris climate accords -- a pledge Trump refused to commit to last week.

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