Berlin/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that no party will be the winner in the Ukraine conflict and it will hurt every country, and that is why India is for peace. He stressed that the conflict has led to rise in oil prices, and also to shortages of food and fertiliser which is affecting the poorer countries in a major way.
In his remarks at the Inter-Governmental Consultations, along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, PM Modi also said that India is committed to concluding the Free Trade Agreement with the EU.
On the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations, he said that the mechanism shows how much importance the two sides place on their strategic ties.
PM Modi said the Covid situation and its fallout and the recent geopolitical situation shows how delicate the situation is in the world.
“Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, we have stressed on cessation of hostilities and for diplomacy and dialogue to end the conflict. We believe that there will be no winner in the conflict, and everybody will be hurt, and that is why we are on the side of peace,” the PM said.
He said the Ukraine conflict has led to rise in oil prices, and led to shortages of food and fertiliser, which is affecting the world, especially the developing and poorer countries. “India is worried about the humanitarian impact of the Ukraine conflict on the world,” he said, and added that New Delhi is providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
He also said that India is trying to help other countries affected by the conflict with food, and to help them with fuel and finance.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in his remarks, said he has invited India as guest to join the upcoming G7. Germany is holding the presidency of the G7 grouping.
He said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has violated the international order and violated the fundamental principles of international law. He reiterated his country’s appeal to Russian President Putin to “end the senseless killing”.
He also said that Germany will increase its participation in the Indo Pacific, and that it views India as a very important member of the Indo-Pacific.
PM Modi said the IGC has given new direction to the bilateral ties between India and Germany, especially in the field of energy and environment.
“I am hopeful it will have a positive impact on the future of the region and world,” he said.
He said the two sides have signed an agreement for partnership in green energy.
“Green and sustainable growth is an article of faith for us. We thank Germany and Chancellor Scholz for announcing 10 billion euros for supporting India in green growth. We have announced the setting up of a green hydrogen task force,” he added.
He said India has signed FTAs with the UAE and Australia and is committed to concluding the FTA with the EU.
He said the signing of the comprehensive migration and mobility agreement will make exchanges of people easier.
Chancellor Scholz said the two sides need to coordinate on climate change, and announced that Germany will make available funds to the tune of 10 bn euros to India to deal with it.
“Our Ministers agreed in the fields of agriculture, forest restoration, in renewable energy, solar energy, green hydrogen. I am happy that we have set up a task force on green hydrogen,” the Chancellor said.