PM Modi in Berlin : Discussions encompass topics ranging from business to human rights

Berlin, May 3: In Berlin on Apr 2, Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, prior to the sixth round of Biennial Inter Governmental Consultations (IGC) between India and Germany. Later, under the co-chairmanship of both the leaders, the sixth round of Inter-Governmental Consultations was also held.

 

 

 

 

In Berlin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was received by Chancellor Scholz at the Federal Chancellery and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honor. The two leaders thereafter also met in one-on-one format followed by delegation level talks. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation under the overall strategic partnership, as well as regional and global developments. In his remarks at the Business Round Table, Prime Minister Modi emphasized on the broad-based reforms carried out by the govt and highlighted the growing numbers of start-ups and unicorns in India. He has invited the business leaders to invest in India’s youth.

 

 

 

 

 

According to the official statement, it was reiterated in the 6th inter governmental consultation, the relationship between Germany and India is firmly rooted in mutual trust, joint interests in servicing the peoples of both countries and shared values of democracy, rule of law and human rights, and multilateral responses to global challenges. Considering the Russia - Ukraine War and the global response to the war, both govts underlined the importance of an effective rules-based international order with the United Nations and the fundamental principles of international law as enshrined in Charter of the United Nations at its core, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.

 

The rising significance of Indo Pacific was addressed during the consultation, when both sides stressed the significance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, recognizing the centrality of ASEAN. As an important milestone in Germany’s growing engagement with the Indo-Pacific region, both sides welcomed the port call by the German Navy Frigate ‘Bayern’ in Mumbai, in Jan 2022. Germany also agreed to welcome an Indian Naval ship on a friendly visit to a German port next year.