India, Germany discuss 'destabilizing effect' of Ukraine conflict, both pledge for rules-based order

New Delhi 

India and Germany on Monday, May 2, expressed their serious concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. They unequivocally condemned civilian deaths in Ukraine and also reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. 

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A Joint Statement issued at the end of 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations and which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that both sides "discussed the destabilizing effect of the conflict in Ukraine" and its broader regional and global implications. 

"Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on the issue," the statement said.

"They emphasised that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and the territorial integrity of states," it said.

At the meeting to place it on record, Germany "reiterated its strong condemnation" of the unlawful and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine by Russian Forces.

"Both Governments 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," the statement said.

Both the countries reaffirmed their "determination to strengthen and reform multilateralism" to tackle current and future challenges, to defend peace and stability globally, to bolster international law, and to defend the fundamental principles of peaceful settlement of conflicts" and issues related to territorial integrity of countries. 

Both Mr Modi and German Chancellor Scholz  highlighted their commitment to an economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic that safeguards the planet. 

"They underlined their firm commitment to the objective of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C".

Prime Minister Modi also held a bilateral meeting with the German Chancellor.

Mr Modi was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour and was received by Chancellor Scholz at the Federal Chancellery. 

The two leaders thereafter 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, an MEA statement said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar; MoS  for Science &Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh made presentations from the Indian side.

The Plenary session concluded with the signing by Prime Minister and Chancellor Scholz of the Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) establishing the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership. 

This Partnership envisages a whole-of-government approach to India-Germany cooperation on SDGs and climate action, under which Germany has agreed to make an advance commitment of 10 billion Euros of new and additional development assistance until 2030, officials said. 

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