Modi's trip saw first instance of joint statement involving India mentioning Russia for Ukraine invasion, though it came from Germany’s perspective. Europe sees it as ‘big shift’.
Modi's trip to Germany, Denmark, France is an opportunity to meet key European leaders and exchange notes about the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In Germany, Denmark and France, Modi will be looking to give a push to the long-pending India-EU free trade agreement, defence cooperation & energy security in wake of the Ukraine war.
Tobias Lindner, Minister of State, Federal Foreign Office, Germany, says Berlin will seek to take bilateral ties with Delhi to the next level during PM Modi’s visit next week.
India was among over 50 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council, and has not imposed sanctions on Moscow.
Jens Plötner, foreign & security policy adviser to Chancellor Olaf Scholz, came on 12-hr visit to India to meet NSA Doval. He also met minister Jaishankar & Foreign Secy Shringla.
Many countries have announced defence budget hikes, with Germany ending decades-old freeze. But ambitions will have to be balanced with legacy of underspending, capacity issues.
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO has activated its response force. Germany, France and others are sending missiles and other weapons systems amid escalation.
Government has already met one-third of its Rs 65,000-cr disinvestment target for this year. But legal and procedural delays with high-value companies are now posing hurdles.
In February 2019, 72,400 SiG 716 rifles of 7.62 x 51mm calibre were contracted from SIG Sauer Inc, USA, under government's 'Buy (Global) category', through fast track procedure.
That temples were destroyed and mosques built is undisputed history. The past can’t be changed, but we can’t deny the wrongs of the past either before we consider reconciliation.