A landmark meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place in New Delhi, during which both leaders expressed deep concern about the war in Ukraine and its negative consequences for global food security.
In the common statements, published by the Federal Government of Germany on October 25, it is noted that the politicians especially emphasized the tragedy of the humanitarian consequences, which the continuation of hostilities led to. Scholz and Modi called for the establishment of a comprehensive and lasting peace, stressing that it should be achieved within the framework of international law and the principles of the UN Charter, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Political leaders also focused on the challenges that the war in Ukraine has created for food and energy security in the world, pointing out that developing countries are the most affected and those that are least protected from such crises. In addition, Scholz and Modi emphasized the unacceptability of using nuclear weapons in today’s conflict environment, warning states against using or even threatening to use force against other countries.
Particular attention was paid to the problems faced by the UN Security Council in the context of the ability to effectively respond to regional and global crises. The leaders stated that these difficulties emphasize the need to reform the Council so that its activities meet the modern realities and challenges of the 21st century. As representatives of the Group of Four (which includes Brazil, Germany, India and Japan), India and Germany have renewed their call for a Security Council that is effective, transparent and capable of responding to global threats.
This statement was made against the background of Scholz’s recent speech, in which he expressed reservations about Ukraine’s possible membership in NATO, noting that a country that is in an active phase of war cannot join the Alliance.
