Ahead of his Monday meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Berlin – the first since his election as the German Chancellor in December 2021 – Olaf Scholz told Indian Express that he was “confident” there was a “broad agreement” between India and Germany in Russian actions that violated “Principles – The core principle of the United Nations Charter “, and based on the principle that” the massacre of civilians is war crimes “and” those who are responsible must be held accountable “.
Modi, who left for Berlin Sunday night, was expected to hold talks about various bilateral problems. Scholz said “struggle against climate change” and “efforts for sustainable development” will be part of a joint agenda, and “concluding a free trade agreement” between India and the EU will be “important steps.” Quotes edited from interviews:Chancellor, this is your first meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in your current capacity. Arising when the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to new challenges in the Geo-Political landscape. How do you see India’s position in Russia, what is your message to India?
The government consultation with the Republic of India was the first consultation since I served in December. This might give you a picture of the importance of relationships with India for my administration. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Modi and several members of his government in Berlin. This will be an opportunity not only to deepen our close relationship, but to bring them to a completely new dimension.
The attack on Ukraine by Russia was at the peak of the agenda for all of Europe and its surroundings. The Russian War rests with the core principles of PBB-Charter; sovereignty and cannot be contested by the international border. The brutality of Russian aggression against civilians in Ukraine is surprising and terrible. The massacre of the civilian population is war crimes and those who are responsible must be responsible. I am sure there is a broad agreement between our two countries about this.
India’s position comes from its dependence on Russia for military supply. Germany also depends on Russia for energy security. Do you see the two countries respond differently because they make strategic choices?Russian invasion of Ukraine destroyed homes, livelihoods and life of Ukraine. I have called President Putin before and I did it here again, to end this war now. In response to the massive violations of this international law, the European Union has adopted – together with our transatlantic partners – sanctions that have never happened before the Russian federation and to individuals who contribute to this war to impose severe costs for this war.
Many countries have joined this sanction, even if this must imply economic costs for ourselves. We then now apply a very ambitious policy to reduce our dependence on the import of fossil fuels from Russia. We will stop importing Russian coal this summer, we will remove Russian oil until the end of the year and will reduce gas imports from Russia.This war, which Russia brought in Ukraine, has severe consequences for the global economy, which affects, for example, supply of wheat and food security throughout the world. Germany, as President of G7, supports our partners in reducing the impact of Russian war on global food security.
India has faced challenges in its environment from China, which has collected troops along the border. China’s actions in Indo-Pacific also caused challenges … How did the German Indo-Pacific Strategy discuss concerns arising from Beijing’s actions in Indo-Pacific?Consultation between government is, first and especially, about German-Indian relations. Of course, we will also talk about international relations and overall security environment. Indo-Pacific Guidelines We put our general approach, which is above all multilateral and inclusive.
Indian-German government consultations occurred after nearly three years, and many have changed since: Covid-19, conflicts in Europe, chaos in Afghanistan and the revival of the Taliban. How do the two countries plan to overcome this … What are the fields of cooperation do you see?
India is the largest democracy in the world and the enthusiastic economy in South Asia. For Germany, India is a partner who thinks the same is very important. We want to deepen our cooperation in various fields, politically and economically. The fight against climate change and our efforts for sustainable development will be our shared agenda. Germany also wants to contribute to further strengthen the bond between India and the European Union. Concluding a free trade agreement between India and the EU will be an important step in this regard.
