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PM Narendra Modi chaired the sixth India-Germany inter-governmental consultations with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. After the meeting, Modi said that in the post-Covid world, India would become a pillar of global recovery, as it is seeing faster growth than larger economies. 

Germany pledges 10 billion Euros to India’s green initiatives.

Both countries signed nine agreements, one in particular at the level of the leaders for green and sustainable development. While Modi described it as the article of faith for India, Scholz committed 10 billion Euros to India’s green growth plans. Scholz also took the opportunity to invite Modi as a special guest to the G& leaders’ summit next month. 

In a veiled reference to China, also reiterating FTA with the EU, both sides underlined the importance of unhindered commerce and freedom of navigation under international law, including navigation through the South China Sea. And in an apparent mention of Pakistan, the leaders condemned the manifestation of terror in all forms, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism.    

Joint statement on the Russia-Ukraine conflict

In a joint statement on Ukraine, both leaders expressed their concern over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and unequivocally condemned civilian deaths. Chancellor Olaf Scholz appealed to President Vladimir Putin to “stop this war, stop senseless killings and withdraw forces.”  

The statement revealed that both Modi and Scholz had discussions on the destabilizing effect of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its regional and global implications. Further, it read, “They reiterated the need to cease hostilities immediately and emphasized that the current global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law, and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states. Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue.”

Modi: “We believe nobody will win this war.”

However, Modi did not join Scholz in condemning Russia, sticking to India’s neutral stand. Instead, he reiterated his call to end the war, saying India has stated that dialogue is the only solution from the very beginning. Expressing that India is concerned about the humanitarian impact of the crisis and underlining that India favors peace, he said, “We believe nobody is going to win this war. All will suffer losses.”     

PM Modi also said, “Because of the turmoil, oil prices have skyrocketed. The world is facing a scarcity of food grains and fertilizers. Every family in the world feels the pain, but the impact will be worse on the poor and developing countries. We have sent humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, and we are also helping friendly countries with grain export, oil supply, and financial aid.”

Reference: Joint Statement: 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental

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