Europeans vital partners in India’s quest for peace: PM
Ahead of Modi’s three-day trip to Denmark, France and Germany, New Delhi once again calls for cessation of hostility in Ukraine
Ahead of his three-day trip to Denmark, Germany and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was travelling to Europe at a time when the region was confronted with many challenges.
Modi on Sunday issued a departure statement before leaving for Germany in his first visit abroad this year. He said that his visit to Europe came at a time when the region was facing challenges and choices.
“Through my engagements, I intend to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with our European partners, who are important companions in India’s quest for peace and prosperity.” India on Sunday once again called for cessation of hostility in Ukraine and to resolving the conflict by means of dialogue and diplomacy.
The new Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra underlined India’s position on Ukraine.
“Our position on Ukraine has been clear. First, there should be a cessation of hostilities; second, a solution must be found out through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said, adding India’s view has been known clearly to various countries.” Responding to a question whether the Ukraine crisis will figure in Modi’s talks with the European leaders, Kwatra said: “When the prime minister interfaces with the leaders, naturally issues of regional and global importance would also figure in the discussions.” During his visit to Europe, Modi will be meeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Denmark Prime Minister Mete Frederiksen and France’s Emmanuel Macron, who was recently re-elected as the President for a second term.
“President Macron has very recently been re-elected, and my visit just ten days ater the result, will not only allow me to convey my personal congratulations in-person, but also reaffirm the close friendship between the two countries. This will also give us the opportunity to set the tone of the next phase of the India-France Strategic Partnership,” the prime minister said in the statement.
“PM Modi will exchange India’s perspectives on Ukraine during his visit to Germany, France and Denmark,” Kwatra said.
“My visit to Berlin will be an opportunity to hold detailed bilateral discussions with Chancellor Scholz, whom I met at G20 last year in his previous capacity as Vice-chancellor and Finance Minister. We will co-chair the 6th India-germany Inter-governmental Consultations (IGC), a unique biennial format which India conducts only with Germany. Several Indian ministers will also travel to Germany and hold consultations with their German counterparts,” Modi said.
“I see this IGC as an early engagement with the new government in Germany, within six months of its formation, which will be helpful to identify our priorities for the medium and long term,” Modi added.
The prime minister also said that from Berlin he will travel to Copenhagen where he will have a bilateral meeting with Frederiksen which will provide an opportunity to review the progress in our unique “Green Strategic Partnership” with Denmark, as well as other aspects of our bilateral relations and also to participate India-denmark Business Roundtable.
The Denmark visit will provide an opportunity to shape up new components of partnership in the field of skill development, shipping, agricultural technology and mobility, Kwatra said.
During the meetings in Copenhagen, both leaders will focus on bilateral issues as well as maters related to regional and global interest, and later, they will also interact with the business leaders of both countries under the auspices of the India-denmark Business forum.
The foreign secretary also said Modi will also call on the Danish Queen Margrethe II who would also host an official dinner for the prime minister.
“Like in Germany, the prime minister will interact with the members of the Indian Diaspora during a community event,” he added.
“Apart from the bilateral engagements with Denmark, I will also take part in the 2nd India-nordic Summit along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway where we will take stock of our cooperation since the First India-Nordic Summit in 2018,” Modi said in the statement.
Referring to the proposed meeting with Macron, Modi said that he will share assessments on various regional and global issues and will take stock of ongoing bilateral cooperation.