Indian, German foreign ministers discuss Ukraine conflict, Indo-Pacific region

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock Monday discussed various global issues, including the Ukrainian conflict, the Indo-Pacific region, India’s relations with Pakistan, and the situation in Afghanistan.

“We have spent the morning exchanging views on the major international issues of the day, apart from our bilateral relationship. This included the conflict in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific strategic situation, and developments pertaining to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Syria,” said Jaishankar in a joint press conference with Baerbock after a meeting in the capital New Delhi.

Speaking about Pakistan, Jaishankar said: “Regarding Pakistan, I spent some time with the minister outlining the nature of our ties and the challenge of cross-border terrorism. The main challenge today is that we cannot have talks while there is terrorism. There was an understanding from the German side as well.”

“Our strategic partnership, which is more than two decades old, has really been bolstered by greater political exchanges, ever-expanding trade, more investment, and a stronger people-to-people relationship,” said Jaishankar.

The German foreign minister arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit.

Earlier, she visited Gandhi's memorial and paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

When asked about India as a replacement partner for China, Baerbock said: “Germany sees in India great potential for further cooperation on economic and security issues.”

She further said that India had always been a partner for Germany and the European Union.

India and Germany have also signed an agreement on the comprehensive migration and mobility partnership.

“The global situation requires our close coordination,” she tweeted after the meeting.