German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, currently visiting India, emphasized the need for collective global efforts to resolve major international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the ongoing crisis in West Asia, in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
Speaking at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business 2024 in New Delhi, Scholz stressed the importance of diplomacy and legal frameworks in addressing geopolitical tensions. “Let us do whatever we can to bring about political solutions to these conflicts. Solutions that are based on international law and the principles of the UN Charter,” Scholz said.
Scholz’s remarks come as the world grapples with escalating tensions across multiple regions, including the Middle East, the South China Sea, and the East China Sea. He warned that Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine would not only threaten Europe but destabilize global security and prosperity.
“If Russia succeeds in its illegal, brutal war against Ukraine, the repercussions will extend far beyond Europe. Such an outcome would endanger global security and prosperity as a whole,” Scholz said.
Turning to the Middle East, he acknowledged the growing human toll and the failure to find lasting political solutions. He also pointed to the Korean Peninsula and maritime disputes in the South and East China Seas as potential flashpoints, emphasizing the importance of containment and diplomacy.
Scholz reflected on the challenges of a multipolar world, adding, “There is no global policeman, no single watchdog monitoring our common rules and institutions. Each of us must take responsibility to defend and uphold them.”
The German Chancellor also underscored the significance of deepening India-Germany relations, particularly in defense, trade, and clean energy. “Our message is clear: we need more cooperation, not less,” Scholz said. He highlighted plans to bring both countries’ militaries closer through enhanced defense collaboration and noted India’s achievements as the world’s largest democracy with the fastest-growing major economy and a rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.
Scholz, alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated the conference today in New Delhi. His visit coincides with the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC), a biannual meeting between ministers of both nations to bolster bilateral cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Scholz held discussions with Modi at the Prime Minister’s official residence, with further bilateral talks planned. In a post on X, Scholz expressed gratitude to PM Modi, writing, “In this world, we need friends and allies – just like India and Germany. Thank you for the warm welcome, @narendramodi.”
Scholz arrived in New Delhi on Thursday, greeted by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. This marks Scholz’s third visit to India since taking office in 2021. He previously visited in February 2023 for a bilateral meeting and again in September 2023 to participate in the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
(Inputs from ANI)
