Chancellor Olof Scholz invites PM Modi for G-7 summit next month as India, Germany cement ties

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a special guest for the forthcoming G-7 summit in Germany next month.</p>
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"I invited you as our guest to the G7 Summit at the end of June and we look forward to welcoming you back to Germany," Scholz said while addressing a  joint press conference with PM Modi after the 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC).</p>
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“Such consultations help India and Germany deepen their relationship,” Chancellor Scholz observed.</p>
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The German Chancellor’s invitation to PM Modi for the summit of western nations assumes significance in the backdrop of India’s neutral stand on the conflict in Ukraine and reflects an understanding of New Delhi’s long-standing strategic relationship with Russia.</p>
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PM Modi and Chancellor Olaf Scholz co-chaired the sixth India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations this afternoon. The two leaders held a one-on-one discussion before the delegation-level talks.</p>
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India and Germany signed a joint declaration expressing "strong support" for upcoming talks between the European Union and India on a free trade agreement.</p>
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This was PM Modi's first meeting with Mr Scholz after he assumed the office of the Chancellor in December 2021.</p>
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"Delighted that the first Inter-Governmental Consultations of this government took place with the  Indian Government. To me, it's a sign of the special quality of our relationship," the German Chancellor said.</p>
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Chancellor Scholz also said that India is a very important partner of their country in Asia in terms of economy and security policy.</p>
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“The world can only develop well if we are clear as to the fact that future relations in the world will be characterised and marked by many countries, not by a few powerful countries," Scholz added.</p>
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Meanwhile, on the Ukraine issue, PM Modi told journalists, "We have insisted on a ceasefire and called for talks as the only way to resolve the dispute since the start of the Ukraine crisis."</p>
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"We believe that there won't be any winners in this war and everyone will lose, which is why we are in favour of peace," he added.</p>
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Besides the humanitarian impact on Ukrainians, pressure on oil prices and global food supplies is also "putting a burden on every family in the world," PM Modi said, but steered clear of condemning Russia over the invasion.</p>
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PM Modi is scheduled to visit Denmark on Tuesday to hold talks with leaders from Nordic countries. He will also make a stopover in Paris on Wednesday and meet the newly re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron.</p>
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<strong>Also read:  <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/australia-understands-india-s-stand-on-ukraine-morrison-tells-modi-during-virtual-summit-158686.html">Australia 'understands' India's stand on Ukraine, Morrison tells Modi during virtual summit</a></strong></p>