India, Germany Call For UN Security Council Reform, Say It Should Be "Reflective Of 21st Century Realities"

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday (25 October) held comprehensive talks with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, addressing a range of regional and global issues.

Additionally, EAM Jaishankar met with German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, the German Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

These discussions were part of the seventh India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who was on a two-day India visit.

During the meeting, India and Germany agreed that the difficulties of the UN Security Council 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 21st century realities," a joint statement said.

The 'Group of Four' includes India, Germany, Japan and Brazil. These countries support each other's bids to become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Jaishankar took to X, describing the IGC meeting as successful and sharing photos from his separate meetings with Baerbock and Habeck.

"Delighted to meet FM @ABaerbock of Germany, after a successful IGC meeting earlier today. Held wide-ranging discussions on several regional and global issues. Our strategic partnership continues to deepen as it enters its 25th year," Jaishankar posted on X.

During his India visit, Habeck engaged with several Indian ministers on Friday.

EAM Jaishankar took to social media platform X, saying he had a "good conversation" with Habeck and the two leaders discussed contemporary global challenges.

"A good conversation with German Vice Chancellor and Economic Affairs and Climate Action Minister Robert Habeck. Exchanged views on contemporary global challenges, both strategic and economic," EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Habeck travelled with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on the Delhi Metro to reach the YashoBhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka.

Goyal commented on India’s urban infrastructure ambitions, telling German officials on the Delhi Metro, "Our effort is to create future-ready cities that are able to handle large volumes."

Speaking at the Asia Pacific Conference on Friday, Habeck emphasised the significance of India's role as a partner in addressing economic changes.

"India is one of the most important partners here in this region, but also in the world. India is one of the most important partners in the region and the world. We cannot...not to have an EU FTA Free Trade Agreement. For this reason, there's a great deal of willingness for myself," he said.

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