Highlights of Indian Prime Minister’s European trip: Economic recovery after the epidemic

First trip in 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Germany, Denmark and France from May 2 to May 4. This is the first foreign trip of the Prime Minister of India in 2022. “My visit to Europe comes at a time when the region is faced with many challenges and choices. Through these commitments, I intend to strengthen the spirit of cooperation with my European partners, who are important companions in India’s journey for peace and prosperity,” Modi said.

In Berlin, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the two leaders will co-chair the 6th India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultation (IGC). -Germany takes place every two years and this is the first IGC of Prime Minister Modi with Prime Minister Scholz and also the first intergovernmental consultation with the new government inaugurated since December 2021 of Germany.

In 2021, India and Germany celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two countries have been strategic partners since 2000. “This visit will be an opportunity to promote and strengthen cooperation in many fields and for the two governments to exchange views on regional and global issues together. interested” – according to the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

After that, Prime Minister Modi went to Copenhagen at the invitation of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. He will participate in the 2nd Indo-Nordic Summit hosted by Denmark. “The Green Strategic Partnership is the first agreement between India and Denmark. The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress of this agreement and consider ways to further expand our multifaceted partnership.” .

At the 2nd Indo-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Modi will also meet other Nordic leaders – Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin. “The summit will focus on topics such as post-pandemic economic recovery, climate change, innovation and technology, renewable energy, evolving global security scenarios, and cooperation. Indo-Nordic Partnership in the Arctic Region” – India’s Ministry of External Affairs added.

On May 4, Prime Minister Modi arrived in Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. “India and France celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year and the meeting between the two leaders will set a more ambitious agenda on the Strategic Partnership,” the statement said. India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

India is an important strategic partner of the European Union and the third largest trading partner of the bloc, accounting for 62.8 billion euros ($66.4 billion) in merchandise trade in 2020 and a key destination for trade. to the second largest export after the US.

Exchange of views on Ukraine

During his visit to Europe, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will need to maintain a fine line between building relations and maintaining India’s neutral stance on Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, Deutsche said. Welle commented.

During his visit to Germany, Denmark and France, as India seeks to strengthen its partnership with the European Union, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to explain India’s position on Ukraine to EU leaders. . “No major problem can be solved without India,” said Tobias Lindner, a German foreign ministry official.

Foreign policy experts say the meetings will help Modi better understand Germany and the EU’s position on Ukraine. India is also seeking the support of Germany and France in pushing through a Free Trade Agreement that Delhi is negotiating with Brussels. “This is Mr. Modi’s first meeting with Mr. Scholz and the personal relationship will help propel both bilateral relations and renew EU relations to a new level in the current environment. Both Germany and France are is key in the context of continued investment in the Indo-Pacific,” said Veena Sikri, a former Indian diplomat.

In the past month, there have been a series of visits to India by Western officials. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week, agreeing on new technology and trade cooperation and pledging to “deepen bilateral cooperation with a focus on maintaining order rules-based global”. After meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week, India’s foreign secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, said there was “no pressure” from the British leader on India’s stance on the military campaign. of Russia in Ukraine.

Mohan Kumar, India’s former ambassador to France, said that India’s concern is that the European Union becomes a strong and independent pole in a multipolar world. The war in Ukraine could boost the European Union’s assertiveness on strategic issues, and Germany’s changing stance on defense and security is one manifestation of this.