Germany and India have decided to work closely in the United Nations Security Council to push for reforms in the architecture of the world body. Both countries were recently elected as non-permanent members to the Security Council.
“The visit will pave the way for both the countries to give a fresh impetus to this issue,'' visiting German Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice Chancellor Guido Westerwelle reporters here on Monday after calling on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna.
“We are convinced that India, as a valuable partner in the United Nations and in the G20, should according to its weight, play an active and decisive role in this globalised, multi-polar world. We would like to cooperate with India on many fields. The challenges lying ahead of us are manifold – climate change, international security as well as the resolution of regional conflicts. These are also subjects I discussed with Indian partners,'' he said.
Weak link
Asked whether Germany is a weak link among the Group of Four (India, Japan, Germany and Brazil) pushing for their inclusion as permanent members of the UNSC, he admitted that three continents – South America, Asia and Africa – were underrepresented (in contrast, three European countries – the United Kingdom, France and Russia – are already permanent members). German presence in the UNSC, he noted, would further strengthen the U.N.
Terming disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation two sides of the same coin, Dr. Westerwelle acknowledged India's support to check proliferation. But, he wanted it to move “closer” to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He was “encouraged by signs that India could be prepared” to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
The two Foreign Ministers inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Year of Germany in India in 2011-2012 and the Year of India in Germany in 2012-2013.
Global power
Speaking on India's importance in the global scenario, the Minister said, “The perception of India – not only in Germany – has changed dramatically in recent years. Today, we perceive India, world's largest democracy, as a rising global power full of opportunities, politically as well as in the economic sector.”
On Tuesday, Dr. Westerwelle will pay homage at the Gandhi Smriti. He will be greeted there by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, the grand daughter of Mahatma Gandhi. He will also participate in a discussion with intellectuals on “India and Germany – partners in a globalised world.”
The German Minister expressed his appreciation of the smooth conduct of the CWG Games. He said this showed that India was capable of hosting mega sporting events.
Dr. Westerwelle is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, comprising members of the Bundestag (German Parliament), business personalities and journalists.
Increasing investment
Germany is India's fifth largest trading partner, besides being its largest trading partner in Europe. The bilateral trade in 2009 crossed €13 billion. In the first five months of 2010, there has been a 26 per cent increase in trade.
Germany is also the eighth largest investor in India. In recent years, its investment has increased rapidly with cumulative investments estimated at $3.5 billion and another $6 billion in the pipeline. Indian companies in recent years have been gravitating towards Germany in numbers. These include Bharat Forge, Ranbaxy, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, NIIT, Mahindra, Reliance and Biocon.
