Trump blasts Germany again over trade and defence as Merkel talks up India ties

Berlin

US President Donald Trump blasted Germany anew over trade and defence, ratcheting up a dispute with Chancellor Angela Merkel that risks getting personal and undermining a trans-Atlantic bond that is the bedrock of US-European relations.

Mr Trump's comments came in an early-morning tweet on Tuesday issued just as Mrs Merkel hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Berlin, where they held a joint Cabinet meeting and signed cooperation agreements. Mr Modi suggested that India will adhere to the Paris climate accords, while Mr Trump makes up his mind.