Germany reaffirms support for India’s NSG membership bid
BERLIN: Germany on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for India’s membership in international export control regimes, including the Nuclear Suppliers Group, following the fourth biannual 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, developmentinitiatives,sustainable urban development, continued development of cluster managersandskilldevelopment,cooperation in the field of digitisation, cooperation in the field of railway security, promoting vocational training and continued cooperationonanIndo-Germancentrefor 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 IndiaGermany 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.