Scholz wants India’s support to isolate Russia

NEW DELHI (AP) — German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz said Saturday his country wants India to support, or at least not block, Western attempts to isolate Russia for waging a devastating war against Ukraine.

Following his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Scholz stressed that developing countries are being hit hard by energy and food shortages resulting from the conflict, and he hopes India will help ensure the crucial supply to Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Modi maintained his cautious approach, noting that India wants an end to the war to be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. “India is ready to contribute to any peace initiative,” he added.

He refrained from any open criticism of Moscow, which is a major supplier of arms, oil and other economic necessities to the Asian country.

Scholz said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “violated the fundamental principle that we all agree not to change borders through the use of violence.”

The German leader, who arrived in the Indian capital on Saturday, also discussed with Modi ways to boost bilateral economic cooperation.

He said he supported a free trade agreement between the European Union and India, noting that he “will personally make sure this does not drag on.”

It is Scholz’s first official visit to India, although he has met Modi four times since Scholz took office in 2021, underscoring Germany’s interest in reaching out to New Delhi.

“There is enormous potential for increased cooperation (with India) in sectors such as renewable energy, hydrogen, transport, pharmaceuticals and the digital economy,” Scholz said in an interview. published Saturday by The Times of India newspaper.