Use or threat of use of nukes 'unacceptable': India-Germany in joint statement

India and Germany on Friday expressed the deepest concern over the prolonged war in Ukraine and its tragic humanitarian consequences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Olaf Scholz sharing the view that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons in the context of the conflict is unacceptableA joint statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs MEA after the two leaders cochaired the seventh round of the IndiaGermany InterGovernmental Consultations here said they also unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms and manifestationsThe leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging on in Ukraine including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences They reiterated the need for a comprehensive just and lasting peace in line with international law consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity it saidThe leaders also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security especially for developing and leastdeveloped countriesIn the context of this war they shared the view that the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons is unacceptable They underscored the importance of upholding international law and in line with the UN Charter reiterated that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state it addedThe Joint Statement 7th IndiaGermany InterGovernmental Consultations IGC said Modi and Scholz also unequivocally condemned the Hamas terror attacks on October 7 2023 and expressed concern over the largescale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza They called for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an immediate ceasefire as well as the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout GazaThe leaders underscored the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region In this regard they called on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraintBoth sides also emphasised the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and facilitate safe timely and sustained humanitarian relief to civilians and in this regard urged all parties to comply with international law the joint statement saidThe leaders were also deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon and called for an urgent cessation of hostilities They agreed that a solution to the conflict in Gaza and in Lebanon can only be reached by diplomatic meansThe United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 outlines the path towards a diplomatic solution along the Blue LineThe leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated twostate solution leading to the establishment of a sovereign viable and independent State of Palestine living within secure and mutually recognised borders side by side in dignity and peace with Israel taking into account Israels legitimate security concerns the statement saidThe leaders underscored that as the worlds two largest democracies India and the European Union EU have a common interest in ensuring security prosperity and sustainable development in a multipolar world They emphasised the importance of deepening the IndiaEU Strategic Partnership which would not only benefit both sides but also have a farreaching positive impact globally it saidModi and Scholz also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups including those proscribed by the United Nations Security Council UNSC Both sides also called upon all countries to continue to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure as well as to disrupt terrorist networks and financing in accordance with international lawModi and Scholz noted with concern the emerging threats from the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes Both sides are committed to promoting a free open inclusive peaceful and prosperous IndoPacific built on international law mutual respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes and underpinned by effective regional institutions the statement saidModi and Scholz reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the IndoGerman Strategic Partnership Both leaders underscored the importance of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications between the European Union and India and called for an early conclusion of the negotiationsIndia and Germany also agreed that the difficulties of the UNSC to effectively address regional and global crises offer a compelling reminder of the urgent need for reform As members of the Group of Four G4 India and Germany reiterated their call for a Security Council that is efficient effective transparent and reflective of the 21st century realities it addedThis story has been sourced from a 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