German Foreign Minister Begins Two-Day Visit To India, Ties With China & Ukraine Conflict To Top Agenda

German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock's discussions with Jaishankar will focus on India's relationship with China and the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock ( Image Source :PTI )

New Delhi: German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's reached Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit to India and the discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will focus on India's relationship with China and the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

German FM's visit comes against the backdrop of the Russian aggression in Ukraine. The two-day inaugural visit will focus on cooperation in the energy transition away from oil, coal, and gas, a spokesperson for Germany's Federal Foreign Office said in Berlin, as reported by news agency PTI. In this regard, Baerbock will also visit projects for renewable energies and sustainability in the neighbouring rural areas of the capital city, the embassy said.

"In Baerbock's talks with her Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India's relationship with China is likely to be discussed in addition to the Russian war against Ukraine and its consequences, for example in the energy sector," it added. 

The Minister is also expected to visit the Election Commission of India. Baerbock is also planning to meet with representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations working for women's rights, according to the official statement of the German Embassy. The spokesperson also noted the Minister will also take part in a trilateral India forum of the transatlantic foundation German Marshall Fund, which is focused on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

"The fact that India is prepared to use its weight revealed itself recently at the G20 summit in Bali. The clear position taken by the G20 against the Russian invasion of Ukraine is due in the end to India," said Baerbock before leaving for India, reported German broadcaster DW. India officially took over as chair of the G20, comprising most of the world's largest economies.

"As an emerging economic power and a solid democracy, India is both a role model and a bridge for many countries in the world, despite all the internal social challenges. And a natural partner of Germany, " Baerbock had said, according to the news agency ANI.

The forum is an annual meeting of American, European, and Indian experts from politics, think tanks, and business at different locations. It has developed into a leading platform for transatlantic and European dialogue with India. 

Last week, Jaishankar held a meeting with the German ambassador to India Philipp   Ackermann. According to Jaishankar, the German ambassador is enthusiastic about enhancing ties between Germany and India.

Notably, India and Germany have completed the inter-governmental talks on development cooperation.