Modi, co-chairing the 6th inter-governmental meetings between India and Germany, expressed worry over the conflict’s humanitarian consequences and claimed India has aided Ukraine.
No country would win the Russia-Ukraine conflict as everyone will lose and the impact on emerging and underprivileged countries will be “more serious,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday.
Modi, co-chairing the 6th inter-governmental meetings between India and Germany, expressed worry over the conflict’s humanitarian consequences and claimed India has aided Ukraine.
Modi, who landed here on Monday morning as part of a three-nation European tour that also includes Denmark and France, discussed critical areas of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global trends with Scholz.
As they opened the IGC, both presidents underlined crucial features of their bilateral relationship as well as shared opinions on regional and global concerns. A long-term target of at least 10 billion euros in new and extra commitments to India until 2030 was signed by both the leaders.
On Russia-Ukraine crisis
Talks are the best way to resolve the Ukraine problem, according to Modi. “We think that no one will win this war and that everyone will lose. So, we support peace,” Prime Minister claimed. “Oil costs are soaring due to the Ukraine situation, and there is a lack of food grains and fertilizers,” he stated.
Modi noted that India is concerned about the conflict’s humanitarian repercussions. Scholz said Russia’s invasion on Ukraine breached fundamental foundations of international law. The conflict in Ukraine and the cruel attacks on civilians indicate how Russia has violated the UN Charter, said Scholz. “Germany underlined its strong condemnation of the illegitimate and unjustified attack on Ukraine by Russian Forces,” stated a joint statement.
Germany and India also “unequivocally denounced” civilian casualties in Ukraine, according to the statement. A joint statement stated they reaffirmed the need for an early end to hostilities and emphasized the UN Charter, international law, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. “Both sides agreed to be closely engaged on the subject,” it stated.
G-7 Summit
Scholz said he had invited Modi to the G-7 conference in Germany and emphasized India’s importance in global economics and climate change negotiations.
Modi said India and Germany share similar principles as democracies.
Concern over Afghanistan and coordinate fight against Terrorism
In Afghanistan, both parties voiced grave concern over the humanitarian situation, revival of violence, including targeted terrorist attacks, systematic breaches of human rights and basic freedoms, and limited access to education for girls and women.
They reaffirmed their strong support for a peaceful, secure, and stable Afghanistan and pledged to continue providing humanitarian aid to Afghans. Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms, including the employment of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. They urged all nations to help eradicate terrorist safe havens, infrastructure, networks, and funding in conformity with international law, especially international humanitarian law.
They also advocated for coordinated action against all terrorist organisations, including those sanctioned by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee. The statement said that both parties have agreed to keep exchanging information on terrorist sanctions and designations, fighting radicalization, terrorists’ use of the internet, and cross-border terrorist movement.
Modi and Scholz also stressed the necessity of all nations adhering to international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism funding norms, particularly FATF, to progress and improve the framework for global cooperation and counter-terrorism.
India and Germany emphasized the urgency of fulfilling present and future obligations. Germany and India also emphasized the WTO’s essential role in integrating emerging nations into the global trade system. Both nations are in favour of WTO reforms.
EU-India FTA
The two nations endorsed the planned EU-India discussions on a Free Trade Agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement, and a Geographical Indications Agreement, citing their immense potential to enhance bilateral trade and investment.
Modi said India is committed to swift progress in free trade talks with the EU. An India-Germany task team on green hydrogen was also announced.
Published by – Mohit Maurya
Edited by – Chhavi Chaudhary
