Hindustan Times (Bathinda)

Germany reaffirms support for India’s NSG membership bid

- Agencies letters@hindustant­imes.com

BERLIN: Germany on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for India’s membership in internatio­nal export control regimes, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group, following the fourth bi annual intergover­nmental consultati­ons jointly headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel here.

The two sides also signed a declaratio­n of intent on cyber politics, developmen­t initiative­s, sustainabl­e urban developmen­t, continued developmen­t of cluster managers and skill developmen­t, cooperatio­n in the field of digit is at ion, cooperatio­n in the field of railway security, promoting vocational training and continueda­n In do-German centre for sustainabi­lity. “Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthen global non-proliferat­ion efforts,” a joint statement issued following the talks said.

“We are looking at outcomeori­ented momentum in India-Germany ties and a quantum jump specially in economic ties. We had wide ranging discussion­s today...” Modi said after the conference. According to the statement, Modi and Merkel also reaffirmed the urgent need for comprehens­ive reform of the UN Security Council, “including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, to make it more effective, efficient and responsive to the existing challenges to internatio­nal peace and security and representa­tive of the contempora­ry geo-political realities”.

“They agreed on the need to take strong measures against all those who encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary and safe havens that sustain and support terrorist groups and organisati­ons,” the statement said.

Modi and Merkel also reiterated their commitment to the ambitious implementa­tion of the UN’s Sustainabl­e Developmen­t Goals.

Following his visit to Germany, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Spain on Tuesday to initiate bilateral engagement­s with President Mariano Rajoy.

 ?? AP ?? German chancellor Angela Merkel with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the chanceller­y in Berlin.
AP German chancellor Angela Merkel with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the chanceller­y in Berlin.

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