Modi's Tour Shows Close Ties Between India And Europe

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is in Europe for a crucial three-nation trip - his first since Covid restrictions began which will set the tone for discussions on several post-pandemic issues, including economic recovery and the Ukraine conflict.

- Stuti Mishra

On the first day of his trip in Germany, Mr Modi met German chancellor Olaf Scholz and addressed the Indian diaspora there. He met Denmark's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, yesterday and is set to meet just reelected Emmanuel Macron in France today.

Mr Modi's trip to Europe comes amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has divided the world. Western nations have been pressuring India to take a stand while the south Asian nation continues to remain “neutral” while continuing its trade with Moscow.

However, the visit will also set the tone for increased economic and green partnership between the key western nation countries and India as it strives to establish itself more strongly in green technologies.

It was the first meeting between Mr Modi and Mr Scholz since the latter became the head of his country. Though the pair met last year at G20 when Mr Scholz was the finance minister.

The meeting is also crucial because Germany has a “significant proportion” of the 1 million population of the Indian diaspora in Europe, a statement from the prime minister's office on Sunday highlighted.

“The Indian diaspora is an important anchor in our relations with Europe and therefore I will take the opportunity of my visit to the continent to meet our brothers and sisters there,” Mr Modi said.

At the India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC), the two countries stressed the importance of an effective rulesbased international order.