Prime Minister Modi's Three-Nation Tour
The India Commentary view
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By Our Editorial Team
First publised on 2022-05-03 07:58:39
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The India Commentary view
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Prime Minister Modi's three-nation tour of Europe is a good opportunity for India to forge closer ties with Germany, France and Denmark in these troubled times when the world is grappling with the twin effects of the economic slowdown and inflation caused by the pandemic and the senseless war in Ukraine. While Prime Minister Modi will get an opportunity to present India's position on Ukraine in-person to the leaders of these countries, he will also try to expand India's trade with the European Union (EU) and talk about defence and security matters.
Although European nations were very critical of India's stand in the Ukraine war, some recent comments by EAM S Jaishankar has silenced them. They have understood that as they too import gas from Russia despite the sanctions, India will also try to meet its energy requirements by importing from Russia. Since all nations, including the US and the UK, have said they understand India's position, the Prime Minister's visit will help in making European nations understand the same more forcefully.
In his first stop in Germany, Prime Minister Modi has already said that the war in Ukraine will throw up no winners and instead "every family in the world is feeling the pain". But PM Modi did not join German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in out rightly condemning Russia. That is the best way and is in line with India's nuanced stand till now. The Germans have invited India as special guest to the G-7 meet next month and have pledged 10bn Euros towards Indiaâs climate goals by 2030. India also expressed its desire to sign a free trade pact with EU. Prime Minister Modi's visit will make India's already close ties with the three nations stronger.
