Did German Foreign Minister Praise PM Modi's Call for Peace in Ukraine?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi advocates for a swift peace deal in Ukraine.
- Germany considers the ongoing war a major security challenge.
- India and Germany emphasize a rules-based international order.
- Cooperation in defense and security between the two nations is set to expand.
- China's actions in the Indo-Pacific remain a concern.
New Delhi, Sep 3 (NationPress) German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed his approval on Wednesday regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advocacy for a swift peace settlement in Ukraine, articulated during his recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin, China. He characterized this as a crucial advancement for Europe.
"For us in Germany and Europe, the ongoing war of aggression by Russia poses the most significant challenge to our security policies. Prime Minister Modi's emphasis on the necessity for a rapid peace agreement in Ukraine during his meeting with President Putin is especially important to us. We Europeans, alongside our American and Ukrainian allies, are diligently working toward a swift end to this conflict so that Ukraine can reclaim its status as a sovereign nation," Wadephul stated in a joint media briefing with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar after their discussions in New Delhi.
"Today, I advocated for India to leverage its ties with Russia to underscore the importance of restoring peace in Europe. I am thankful for our open dialogue today, as peace is foundational for security, freedom, and prosperity. Security will continue to be a future challenge, and we are encouraged that a ceasefire has been established in the vicinity of India," he added.
The German Foreign Minister reaffirmed Germany's unwavering support for India in its endeavors against terrorism.
He further highlighted that India and Germany are aligned in their commitment to uphold a rules-based international order, which encompasses the freedom of maritime trade routes in the Indo-Pacific.
"The increasingly assertive behavior of China in the Indo-Pacific raises concerns for both our nations. We are focused on enhancing our collaboration in defense, security, and armaments, including joint military exercises and expediting the export license process for engagements in the Indo-Pacific," Wadephul emphasized.
"Last year, a German frigate visited India. Germany is eager to strengthen this partnership. We discussed that security in the Indo-Pacific is intricately linked to security in Europe," he noted.
Wadephul expressed optimism regarding a forthcoming visit from the German Chancellor to India, underlining the necessity of collective efforts to address shared challenges and further bolster bilateral relations.
He remarked that as a rising economic power and the world's most populous and largest democracy, India holds significant strategic importance in the global order.