New Delhi, India (DT) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on a high-level visit to India, underscored the critical need for political solutions to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, warning that unresolved tensions could threaten global economic stability. Scholz, accompanied by a delegation of ministers and business leaders, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, stressing the importance of cooperation in an evolving global landscape.
At the 18th Asia-Pacific German Business Conference (APK 2024), an event attended by political and business leaders from Germany and the Indo-Pacific, Scholz addressed Germany’s stance on global security concerns. “If Russia succeeds in its brutal, illegal war against Ukraine, the repercussions will extend far beyond Europe’s borders, endangering global security and prosperity,” Scholz remarked. He also highlighted the continuous instability in the Middle East, emphasizing the human costs of prolonged conflicts and the necessity of political solutions.
RELATED NEWS : Spanish PM Sanchez Embarks on Action-Packed Trip to India: Bollywood, Business, and Airbus Deals
Scholz emphasized that resolving these conflicts was not only “an ethical and political obligation” but also “imperative” to safeguard economic stability and cooperation. Modi echoed these sentiments, stating, “War cannot solve any problem.” Both leaders expressed concern over the outdated frameworks of 20th-century global institutions, calling for reforms within bodies like the United Nations Security Council. Modi affirmed India and Germany’s shared commitment to active cooperation in achieving these reforms.
In addition to global security discussions, Scholz and Modi engaged in talks on deepening economic ties, with Scholz pointing out India’s role as a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific. The two leaders agreed on the importance of finalizing a long-pending free trade agreement between the European Union and India, as well as enhancing bilateral defense and security collaboration.
Chancellor Scholz also highlighted Germany’s interest in attracting skilled Indian workers, noting a growth of over 23,000 qualified Indian employees in Germany last year. This aligns with Germany’s long-term strategy of bolstering workforce expertise through skilled migration.
Several key agreements were signed during the visit, including partnerships in defense, information technology, clean energy, skill development, and artificial intelligence. Modi stated that the newly inked agreements in defense, particularly the exchange of classified information, were testament to the deep mutual trust between India and Germany. The signing of a legal assistance treaty was also significant, with Modi noting it as an important step in joint efforts to combat terrorism and separatist threats.
Scholz praised India’s balanced approach to diplomacy, noting its potential role in mediating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Although India has refrained from condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, it has consistently advocated for diplomatic resolutions, positioning itself as a potential peace broker.
The visit, part of the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations between Germany and India, serves as a platform for both countries’ ministers to report on ongoing negotiations. Scholz’s agenda will conclude in Goa, where he will visit the German naval frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg and combat support ship Frankfurt am Main, which are currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific.
This marks Scholz’s third visit to New Delhi in two years, following his state visit in February and attendance at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in September, signaling a period of intensified diplomatic engagement between Germany and India.
SOURCE : AGENCIES | Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |