‘Threat Of Nuclear Weapon Use Unacceptable’: India, Germany Joint Statement On Russia-Ukraine Conflict

India and Germany condemned the Ukraine war and rejected any nuclear escalation. They expressed concern over its humanitarian impact and effects on global food and energy security.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, India and Germany expressed their deep concerns over the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasising its tragic humanitarian consequences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Olaf Scholz held discussions during the seventh round of the India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations in New Delhi on Friday. According to a joint statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders firmly rejected the use or threat of nuclear weapons in the context of the conflict.

The joint statement highlighted the leaders’ shared stance, stating, “The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging on in Ukraine, including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. They reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Modi and Scholz also emphasised the adverse effects of the Ukraine war on global food and energy security, with particular impacts on developing and least-developed countries. They reiterated the importance of upholding international law and urged all states to refrain from actions that compromise territorial integrity and sovereignty. "In the context of this war, they shared the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable," the statement added.

India And Germany On West Asia Conflicts

The leaders also unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. They called for decisive action against all terrorist organisations, including those listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Reflecting on the recent developments in West Asia, they condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on 7th October 2023 and voiced concerns over the significant civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

As the world’s largest democracies, India and the European Union (EU) share a mutual interest in fostering global security, prosperity, and sustainable development, Modi and Scholz underscored. They noted, “The leaders underscored that as the world's two largest democracies, India and the European Union (EU) have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi-polar world.”

The joint statement further highlighted the commitment of both nations to strengthen the Indo-German Strategic Partnership and deepen ties with the EU. The leaders also reiterated their dedication to promoting a free, open, inclusive, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region, grounded in international law, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.