Germany backs India-EU free trade agreement as Scholz visits New Delhi

Modi and Scholz held talks to strengthen India-Germany ties, signing agreements on defence, trade, and clean energy.

Transcript

00:00During his visit to New Delhi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Indian Prime Minister

00:07Narendra Modi and endorsed a free trade agreement between India and the European Union.

00:14Scholz and Modi also signed agreements on increased cooperation between Germany and

00:18India as it comes at a time when the West is seeking to counter China's growing influence

00:23in the region.

00:24As Chancellor, I am particularly committed to an ambitious free trade agreement between

00:31India and the European Union.

00:34All sides would benefit from this and it should be our ambition to finally move forward here.

00:42And on the topic of Russia's war in Ukraine, Scholz said it impacts both Germany and India

00:47in various ways and that no one can close their eyes to the conflict.

00:51Therefore, I expressly urge India to enter into a lasting and just peace and I am happy

00:59to use the reliable relationship with all parties to contribute to a political solution

01:05of the conflict.

01:09Scholz considers the achievement of peace a precondition for Ukraine to become a member

01:14of NATO.

01:16He spoke about Ukraine's peace plan a day prior to meeting Modi and voiced his concern

01:21over Ukraine's request for an immediate invitation to the alliance.

01:25He said a country at war cannot become a member of NATO.