Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that terrorism is coming close to every region of the world and a comprehensive global strategy is required to deal with this global challenge. Addressing a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at Berlin today, Modi urged the international community to treat terrorism as “sensitively” as nuclear proliferation.
Prime Minister said the world should collectively put pressure on countries which provide shelter to terrorists, in an apparent reference to Pakistan. Mr. Modi also said India and Germany can increase cooperation in maritime, cyber and space security to curb the menace of terrorism. The Prime Minister also made a strong pitch for the conclusion of the long-pending Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN this year which marks the 70th anniversary of the global body.
The objective of the CCIT is to strengthen cooperation to combat international terrorism.
Prime Minister also sought German Chancellor’s help in concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement with the European Union that has been stalled for two years.
Replying to a question, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India deserves permanent seat in United Nations Security council, UNSC. Mr. Modi said both India and Germany should be permanent members in the Security Council.
Responding to a question German Chancellor said that she is looking forward to her visit to India later this year and Germany is very keen to participate in Make in India initiative.
Earlier both the countries in their joint statement announced that they will upgrade and further strengthen their strategic partnership.
The statement says the common objective is to encourage greater synergies between German engineering, experience in sustainable development, innovations and skills and the new opportunities available in India and through “Make in India”, “Clean India”, Digital India and other initiatives towards achieving economic growth sustainable development.
The statement says India and Germany are exploring ways of expanding their dialogue on foreign policy and security issues. Both countries expressed their solidarity on Iran and Afghanistan related issues.
Later Prime Minister departed for Canada for the third and final leg of his three nation visit.
