PM Modi and Chancellor Markel discussed the possibility of an Indo-E.U. pact and other global issues
The Chancellor of Germany – Angela Merkel spoke with the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi on Wednesday, January 6, 2020 where the two discussed a possible India – European Union (E.U.) pact and touched upon various global issues.
During the video-call, Modi briefed Merkel on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine which has been developed in India. Modi also assured her of India’s commitment to deploying its capacities for the benefit of the world. Modi also welcomed Germany’s decision to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and expressed his desire to further strengthen cooperation with Germany under the platform of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
Taking it to twitter, Modi tweeted,
As we celebrate 70th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship and 20th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership with Germany this year, Chancellor Merkel and I had a fruitful video call today.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 6, 2021
Modi further tweeted,
I thanked her for her longstanding personal commitment to deepening India-Germany ties. We also exchanged views on other regional and global issues, including COVID-19 pandemic.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 6, 2021
The Spokesperson of the Federal Government of Germany – Steffen Seibert tweeted (translated from German), “Chancellor #Merkel did a video conference today with the Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi spoken – including about the #Corona -Pandemic, advances in vaccine development and production, relations between the two countries and the Indo-Pacific region.” Original tweet in German:
Kanzlerin #Merkel hat heute in einer Videokonferenz mit dem indischen Premierminister @narendramodi gesprochen – u.a. über die #Corona-Pandemie, Fortschritte bei Entwicklung und Produktion von Impfstoffen, die Beziehungen beider Länder und die Indo-Pazifik-Region. pic.twitter.com/XHNBzUNTB2
— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) January 6, 2021
The Indo-E.U. trade pact gains significance as Modi is scheduled to attend the E.U. Meet in Portugal in May. Merkel spoke with Modi on the in-principle conclusion of E.U. – China ‘Comprehensive Agreement on Investment’ (CAI) and stressed that CAI is essentially a market access pact. She informed Modi that CAI seeks to ensure level playing field for the E.U. companies in Asian market. Merkel also brought the topics of India’s relations with Pakistan and China.
They also discussed the changing dynamics of Europe and India after President-elect of the United States (U.S.) – Joe Biden resumes office. The two also expressed concern over the recent ruckus in Washington, where the supporters of outgoing U.S. President – Donald Trump turned violent, over Trump’s defeat in the Presidential polls.
Modi also appreciated Merkel’s long-standing role in providing stable and strong leadership on the European and global stages and thanked her for guiding the growth of the India-Germany strategic partnership.
Very recently, Portugal has taken over the Rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Germany on Friday, January 1, 2020. During Germany’s rotating presidency, E.U. was able to roll-out the campaign for vaccination against the COVID-19, throughout the 27 members bloc. Germany also played a big role in securing the post-Brexit trade deal with the United Kingdom (U.K.). Another major highlight of German presidency was overcoming of Poland and Hungary’s veto to the E.U.’s budget of €750 billion budget and COVID-19 recovery plan.
