Berlin, Feb 1 (DPA) German President Horst Koehler left Berlin Monday for a state visit to India, where he is expected to focus on the country's role as one of Asia's economic giants, before flying to South Korea.

Koehler, 66, is to hold talks with President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi before travelling to Mumbai during the seven-day visit with his wife Eva Luise.

The German president, whose role is mainly ceremonial, is to assess the extent to which India can be counted on in the attempt to regulate international financial markets, a statement from his office said.

On Feb 7, Koehler and his wife are to continue their journey to South Korea, the current chair of the G20.

Seoul's stance could be crucial for Germany's campaign for bank regulation, when it hosts the G20 summit in November.