Modi, Scholz discuss trade, climate, Ukraine war in Berlin
Berlin, May 2 (EFE).- German chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Indian counterpart, prime minister Narednra Modi, met in Berlin on Monday, to discuss a range of bilateral and global issues against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
In a joint statement after the intergovernmental consultations, the two leaders outlined the various ways in which they had agreed to deepen their bilateral relationship in areas concerning trade, migration, the environment and culture.
Scholz said that the talks were being held “in a dramatic global situation” due to Russia’s violations of the “fundamental principles of international law”, and repeated his appeal to Russian president Vladimir Putin to “end this war, end the senseless killing, withdraw your troops from Ukraine.”
“The importance of a rule-based order is illustrated to us and impressed upon us by this war,” Scholz said, adding that Germany and India agreed “that borders should not be changed through the use of violence and that the inviolability of borders and the sovereignty of nations has to be universally accepted.”
“What needs to be done now is to ensure that we achieve a better future together, not by waging wars against each other but by pursuing economic growth and development together,” the chancellor added.
Modi, whose country has stopped short of criticizing Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine — India abstained from a United Nations resolution condemning Russia — avoided blaming the Kremlin for starting the hostilities.
Instead, the Indian prime minister said “recent geopolitical events have shown how fragile peace and stability in the world are.”
“At the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, we immediately called for a ceasefire and emphasized the fact that dialogue was the only way to resolve the conflict.
“We believe that no party can emerge victorious from this war. Everyone will suffer losses, and that is why we are for peace.
“Due to the turmoil caused by the Ukraine war, oil prices are skyrocketing, there is a shortage of food and fertilizer. This has caused a burden for every family in the world. But it will have the most serious impact on developing and poor countries.”
Scholz detailed the various areas in which Germany and India intended to deepen their cooperation, particularly in tackling the climate crisis.
“It is obvious that India plays a key role when it comes to global climate change and tackling the consequences,” Scholz said.
“The cooperation that we are engaging in in this area is broad and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to sign a number of declarations of intent. This is about climate protection, which is ever so important,” adding that it is an issue on which the two countries “need to cooperate closely.”
Announcing the start of a new bilateral partnership on “green and sustainable development” — under which Berlin has pledged to provide Delhi with 10 billion euros by 2030 — Modi thanked Germany and chancellor Scholz for providing the relationship with a “new direction” and “important guidance” in energy and the environment. that he was confident would “have a positive effect on the region and the world.” EFE
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